Album Notes

Antonio Parker is one of the promising voices of his generation. An educator as well as saxophonist and composer, Antonio is making a definitive mark for himself in the jazz arena. His music reflects a genuine sense of jazz tradition, combined with a unique approach to improvisational expression. Better known as a "Straight Ahead" jazz artist, Antonio is equally competent in other styles of music, and performs in variety of musical contexts ranging from Concert Music to Funk, Latin and World Music to Contemporary Jazz sounds. Although he currently resides in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, his reputation precedes him as an accomplished musician and composer who continues to grow and expand his musical horizons. Antonio has performed in many venues throughout the United States. He has also performed on the international stage, and was selected as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador to Africa in 1996. He has performed, lectured, and conducted workshops on jazz music in seven countries in Africa, including: Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Morocco, and Tunisia. He has also performed a European Tour in 1999 in London and Scottland with the former members of the Blackbyrds as well as an 2001 tour to Japan with the contemporary jazz group Double Didget. A graduate of Howard University and a former member of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, Antonio has composed, recorded and performed with HUJE throughout the U.S. including a 1991 tour to Martinque,France. He currently leads his own straight ahead jazz group which performs frequently in the Washington D.C. area. He is also developing a world music group called "Antonio Parker & Sounds of the City" whose debut CD, "The Exchange", will be released in the fall of 2001 on his independent record label "Interchange Records". Antonio can be found on several recordings performing with recording artist Debbie Kirkland, Keith Killgo of the "Blackbyrds", Michael Thomas and Karen Francis. As founder of Parker's Mood Productions, Antonio is currently producing various recording projects that will be released soon. His debut CD entitled "The Exchange" showcases his musical abilities as an artist, composer, arranger, and producer. The music on this project reflects the music of world cultures and features musicians such as pianist/keyboardist Vince Evans, guitarist Vinny Valentino, bassist Yusef Chisholm, percussionist Sam Turner, drummers Kieth Killgo and Lenny Robinson, and vocalists Patrick De Santos and Imani.