Maceo Parker

by  Cici Sharstrom
With roots stretching back to the very birth of funk and jazz music, Maceo Parker is renowned for his work on the saxophone. He began his musical career as a sideman for James Brown, a gig he describes as “like being at University.” His initiation into the world of funky jazz and jazzy funk brought him into the company of such talents as Ray Charles, George Clinton, James Taylor, Bootsie Collins, Prince, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dave Matthews Band. His sound, part of a collaborative musical effort of the pioneers of the genre, is still alive and well in many hip-hop and jazz sounds of the artist’s today.
At 15, Maceo created his own signature sound on the tenor sax after a musical education that began with his uncle, who played with the Blue Notes. After numerous nightclub sit-ins and the great influences of the masters of the day, Parker rose to become one of the main pioneers of the “funky-soul-funk” generation. For the past two decades, Parker has been developing an impeccable solo career. Staying true to traditional tones and craftsmanship, he has taken something timeless and perfected it into modernity. His work has earned him great esteem, including awards from Radio 6 and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
A wonderful stage presence, Parker has been highly praised in numerous musical reviews and articles. A widely sought-after artist, he is currently touring all over the world, and will soon be in Fort Collins. The show is at the Lincoln Center on October 18, 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through The Lincoln Center for $40 G.A., $35 for package/group deals.
“Listeners are going to hear some very familiar songs in an entirely new way, and in the process, they’re going to rediscover just how great the material really is,” Parker said.