![]()
Those who know of Leo Parker know he has influenced many modern baritonists, despite not having wide recognition for most jazz listeners. The Jazzwax.com blog has put together an excellent article about Leo Parker and some of his records as a leader, including some interesting back story to the true composers of Miles Davis’ supposed song “Walkin'”. There is also some excellent info on Gene Ammons’, one of Leo’s frequent collaborators. If you aren’t familiar with Leo Parker, this is a great place to start.
In a lesson with Ronnie Cuber, I once asked him if he like Leo Parker. He laughed and told me that he couldn’t listen to Leo Parker or he would start trying to sound too much like him! I guess that is as close to a compliment as he would go. Gary Smulyan and almost every other baritonist of note seems to speak highly of him as well.
Check out the full story here.
