There is no more influential or significant free-improviser originating from the UK jazz scene down the decades than Evan Parker. 'A Well Staring at the Sky' introduces studio recording All Knavery & Collusion new on a resurgent Cadillac Records for April. Pianist Alexander Hawkins, double bassist John Edwards and drummer Paul Lytton join the sax titan. To drill down what happens on the track? Signature overblowing and the gull-like indentations of sound that Parker has made part of his signature method are heard early on. A small cluster of notes do all the work to operate like a pendulum, Edwards' arco bass enters like a Greek chorus behind him, then the surprise hit of a cymbal and brief cascade from Hawkins transforms the mood. The short piece reaches an overlapping crescendo when Lytton ups the drama, a tumble of toms part of his contribution. Parker finds a way to respond as a low register moan takes his sound deep and into the darkness.
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