THE WORLD'S BEST NEW MUSIC

Bassist, composer, poet, painter, and essayist William Parker stands as a true titan of American creative music. Alongside his partner, the renowned poet, dancer, and choreographer Patricia Nicholson, Parker co-founded Vision Festival and Centering Records, anchoring the Lower East Side’s avant-garde community for over half a century. Grounded in his holistic philosophy of the "Tone World," Parker’s expansive catalog spans massive orchestral suites, intimate chamber groups, and long-running ensembles like Raining on the Moon. Merging double bass authority with deeply spiritual poetry and global acoustic textures, he remains an indispensable, constantly evolving artistic force.

A tribute to the iconic tap dancer, singer, and actor Gregory Hines (1946–2003), Waltz For Gregory is yet another wonderfully distinct creation from one of America’s greatest living artists. Parker orchestrates a luminous, song-centered ensemble featuring vocalist Andrea Wolper, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Ken Filiano, drummer Kevin Murray, horn players Jim Ferraiuolo and Steve Swell, and live tap dancing by Melissa Almaguer.

Across seven expansive compositions, Parker bridges free improvisation with structured lyricism and rhythmic pulse. The 14-minute title track sets an intoxicating, tap-accented foundation, while uplifting pieces like "The Golden Light of Love" and "Joy Joy" radiate profound optimism. Balanced by poignant narrative works like "Joseph (where stones sleep)" and "Ukraine", the album culminates in the soul-stirring "Heal the Broken World Trombone,"a breathtaking masterwork of compassion and artistic devotion.