Awakening

Leon Parker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 9, 1998)
• Original Release Date: June 9, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000007NAL
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #171,061 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

The subtle weave of textures and rhythms heard on Leon Parker's Awakening is likely different than anything you've heard before. Were you to talk to Parker, a young rhythmatist who's made a big impact recently, you'd realize that's because Parker is probably not like anyone you've met before. Parker honed his trap-set skills in some of Manhattan's more interesting clubs, alongside the likes of saxophonist Steve Wilson, who plays on this track. He's continued develop a beat-based aesthetic that represents the best of the crossroads between jazz and ethnic musics of the world. Together with Natalie Cushman, Parker spins a percussive web that grabs you and holds you gently, but firmly. Look for Parker beating his chest and outpacing most other musicians in the future.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Jazz Times

This is a timbrally spare date, essentially Parker engaging a multitude of skins, shakers, gongs, mallets, keyboard, and even a bowl, joined by other percussionists, by saxophones and flutes on assorted tracks, and voice on several pieces. But what Parker brings to this broad rhythmic, spare harmonic landscape is an enormous bag of rhythmic traditions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soulful Spirituality, December 20, 2000

By 

Jeremy Shatan "Polymathic Cultural Consumer" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Awakening (Audio CD)

By this, his third album as a leader, Leon Parker had almost abandoned traditional jazz entirely. This album is full of mysterious percussion textures, memorable melodies and hypnotic rhythms. It's beautifully recorded and totally original. It somehow manages to be incredibly refined while also being wonderfully relaxed, like a group of drummers in Central Park on a summer Sunday. Anyone who enjoys music with a spiritual dimension will like this CD.

5.0 out of 5 stars BRILLIANT!, December 29, 2008

By 

Baddstuff "music junkie" (astoria, ny United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Awakening (Audio CD)

this disc is unlike anything I have heard before in the sense that it is very stripped down but still manages to be a joy to listen to and is quite moving. Close your eyes and kick back with this disc and let its joyful rhythms and percussive sounds take you away. This is really beautiful music. Kudos to Mr. Parker!

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