“He stands now as one of the most adventurous and prolific bandleaders in jazz.”
— David French, DownBeat
“William Parker pursues spirituality through hard work. He plays bass as if reaching heaven is a matter of steadily, repeatedly knocking until someone opens the door; he's one of the avant-garde jazz players most dedicated to the pursuit of higher purpose and heightened awareness in music, and he approaches it with a heavy, elemental tone.”
— Chris Dahlen, Pitchfork
“Patricia Nicholson… is also an outstanding poet and dancer.”
— Chris Tart, DownBeat
“Parker's creative energies have made him the unofficial mayor of the New York improvisational scene.”
— Piotr Michalowski, Ann Arbor Observer
William Parker is a towering figure in 21st century avant-garde music, widely recognised as a crucial link to the heart of free jazz, and a true heavyweight of the double bass.”
— Daniel Spicer, BBC
1. Flare Up
2. Little Black Kid with the Swollen Stomach
3. Struggle
4. Wilted Light as Flower
5. No Joke
2/4: William Parker, bass; James Brandon Lewis, tenor sax; Devin Brahja Waldman, alto sax; Francesco Mela, drums, vocal on 2
1/3/5: William Parker, bass; Patricia Nicholson, spoken word, James Brandon Lewis, tenor sax; Devin Brahja Waldman, alto sax; Melanie Dyer, viola; Gerald Cleaver, drums
All music by William Parker, centering music. All words by Patricia Nicholson except “Little Black Kid with the Swollen Stomach” by William Parker.
Recorded (2/4: July 30, 2020; 1/3/5: September 5, 2019) and mixed at Park West Studios by Jim Clouse.
Cover art and packaging layout by Bill Mazza Studio.
