Maceo Parker Pays Tribute To Brother Ray

By I Oct. 24, 2007

While Maceo Parker may be best known for his work alongside James Brown and George Clinton, his upcoming Roots & Grooves (Heads Up) honors the memory of Ray Charles.

“I got into Ray at a very early age,” Parker said. “I’d listen to him sing and I’d try to equate that with playing the saxophone.”

Parker’s Heads Up debut also marks his first time recording with Germany’s WDR Big Band.

“I run out of words when I try to describe exactly how good and kid-like this project makes me feel,” Parker said. “I’m playing the same saxophone I always play, but it was like a whole new adventure for me to play with a big band. We started with a blank sheet and we ended up with this whole big wonderful thing.”

The disc is slated for a Feb. 12, 2008, release and Parker will tour the United States at that time. He will perform at the Suede Lounge in Park City, Utah, on Feb. 15, San Francisco’s Fillmore on Feb. 23, the Portland Jazz Festival on Feb. 24, the House of Blues in Dallas on Feb. 27, Republic in New Orleans, La., on Feb. 28, Duke University in Durham, N.C., on Feb. 29 and The State Theatre in Falls Church, Va., on March 1.

For more details go to headsup.com