Jeff Parker: Like-Coping

[Nate Dorward]

Was curious what folks thought of this disc. I got it a few months back, & while it's in many ways a modest album it's smart & enjoyable music. When I wrote it up I called it "tranquil", which is about as good a one-word description of the general vibe I can manage. Parker's playing is about halfway between say Grant Green & Bern Nix: the more Ornetty moments on the disc actually do seem to owe a bit to Nix's Alarms & Excursions, & there's a direct tip of the hat to Green's "Gooden's Corner" on "Scrambler". There's two free-improvs--very peppery stuff--but otherwise it's actually a rather old-fashioned guitar-trio sound. Nice studio sound--rather than the hyperreal close-up that a lot of discs have, the musicians are set back a bit (for a visual analogy think of a deep-shadowed Francis Wolff photo rather than something in-yer-face). Chad Taylor on the drums, Chris Lopes on the bass. Anyone have another take on this? & any idea what the title means, or am I missing an obvious pun or something...?

[Uli]

Have not heard the record yet. Will hear the trio tonite.

Generally, I am not too much into guitar players. Jeff Parker is a big exception for me. Really like his tone and his melodic ideas. He is playing in a lot of very different groups, some of them my favorites like Ernest Dawkins' and Fred Anderson's.

[Captain Hate]

I haven't heard this disk but I pretty much agree with Uli; I think that Parker's contribution on four cuts of Jeb Bishop's "Afternoons" really enhanced an already very good cd.

[Nate Dorward]

Uli--thanks for the note--any word on the trio gig? A post here or in the live reviews forum would be welcome.

[Uli]

Nate,
I was tending bar. They had quite a good crowd and a drinking one. I was really busy and could not listen to much of the music. Think I did not have a cigarette break for about 3 hours. Good for business, not so good for the listening pleasure. Can't win them all.

Heard a little bit of the 3rd set while washing glasses. Sounded good. Have the CD now in the club. Looking forward to hear it.

[Derek Taylor]

Uli, you tapping suds at the Velvet these days? Very cool.

I’m with Nate in thinking that LIKE COPING makes for an entertaining listen. I like the laidback, unpretentious feel and the subtle shades of variety that hang together into a tight programmatic whole. Surprised Parker’s waited so long to helm a disc (even with his stated aversion to captain’s chair).

[Brian P]

I've read some interesting things about Parker and his trio. Is there anywhere on the net where I can hear some samples of this record before purchasing it? Thanks!