Parker is based in Toronto and is quite active on the city’s local scene. Peaks and Valleys, without being presented as such, is a feminist album. Not in the political sense, but rather in the practical sense. It features all-female compositions (two by Mary Lou Williams, two by Geri Allen, and a five-movement suite by Parker herself) and only two boys out of a total of seven performers on the whole album.
The excellent pieces by Allen (“Unconditional Love” and “Drummer’s Song”) and Williams (“Gloria” and “Rosa Mae,” a first vocal release of this piece) are finely drawn by Parker’s ensemble, without too abrupt sonic explorations, respecting the popular and stylish nature of these great artists. Parker’s suite, “Peaks and Valleys” is in the same vein, that of melodic, straightforward jazz, tinged here with blues and elsewhere with pop and favouring simple but enthusiastic interventions by the musical partners. A few tracks stand out, such as “Survival,” a spoken word on a bed of sparkling piano drops. Very pretty indeed.
Peaks and Valleys will satisfy your desire for safe jazz, conducted with talent and conviction.
Teri Parker’s FreeSpirits
Teri Parker, piano and spoken word
Allison Au, alto saxophone
Alison Young, alto saxophone and vocals
Rebecca Hennessy, trumpet and vocals
Lauren Falls, bass
Mackenzie Longpre, drums
Mario Allende, percussion
