Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jeff Parker: Forfolks

Jeff Parker: Forfolks

By Karl Ackermann
January 29, 2022
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Guitarist/composer Jeff Parker is closely associated with indie group Tortoise and

Rob Mazurek

trumpet
b.1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Rob Mazurek's Chicago Underground and Exploding Star Orchestra projects, but the scope of his work is extensive. The Bridgeport, Connecticut native has worked in numerous genres and technologies, and with a varied range of artists including,

Joshua Redman

saxophone
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Joshua Redman,

Nicole Mitchell

flute
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Nicole Mitchell, Yo La Tengo,

Matana Roberts

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Matana Roberts,

Ingebrigt Håker Flaten

bass
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Ingebrigt H?ker Flaten,

Nels Cline

guitar, electric
b.1956

" data-original-title="" title="">Nels Cline,

George Lewis

trombone
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">George Lewis and

Fred Anderson

saxophone
1929 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Fred Anderson. Parker has recorded eight albums as a leader but with the release of Suite for Max Brown (International Anthem/Nonesuch, 2020), his composing took a more personal turn. Forfolks pushes further into his process of creativity.

Forfolks is Parker's second solo guitar album, the first being Slight Freedom (Eremite, 2016). That earlier title foreshadowed his solo work to come, signaling Parker's independence as a performer; Forfolks however, fully realizes the artist's unique vision. Parker's typically spotless playing style and orderly harmonic method are supplanted at times by more ethereal qualities. The album's opening, and subsequent piece, "Off Om" and "Four Folks" are deeply rooted and rounded. His cover of

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk's "Ugly Beauty" is infused with a hypnotic drone. Parker's eleven-minute "Excess Success" literally dances note-by-note, out of the speakers to surround the listener.

Parker, a master of special effects and sampling, leaves the technology at the door for Forfolks. In the process, less is more; his imagination focused solely on the electric guitar's range and potential. Forfolks is both warm and probing, full of deceptively resourceful ideas, inviting listeners back for a second go-round. More so than any of Parker's previous leader/co-leader work, Forfolks, a late entry in the 2021 archives, sets the guitarist/composer up as a creative force that demands greater attention.

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Track Listing

Off Om; Four Folks; My Ideal; Suffolk; Flour Of Fur; Ugly Beauty; Excess Success; La Jet��e.

Personnel

Jeff Parker

guitar

Album information

Title: Forfolks | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: International Anthem Recording Company

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