Maceo Parker: Roots & Grooves

By: Tim Dwenger

This two-disc live album features legendary sax-man Maceo Parker fulfilling his dream of working with a big band. The record was culled from recordings of Parker’s much praised 2007 European tour. Disc One sees the funk reigned in a bit for a moving eight-song tribute to Ray Charles that the late soul man would have no doubt approved of. Parker’s gravelly voice evokes the spirit of Charles on tracks such as “Busted,” “Hit the Road Jack” and, of course, “Georgia on My Mind.” The arrangements of Michael Abene and the playing of the Grammy Winning WDR Big Band of Cologne, Germany bring each treatment to life. As Disc Two spins, Parker lets the funk flag fly with Abene’s big band arrangements of six JB Horns staples including “Shake Everything You Got,” “Pass The Peas” and “Advanced Funk.” Each track is sure to get even the most stoic funk fan bopping along with the tight horn fills and bubbling basslines. This collection does a superb job of capturing the energy of Parker’s live performances while showcasing the WDR Big Band and proving to the world that big band funk can bring the house down.

JamBase | Soul Road
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