William Parker's "Flower In a Stained-Glass Window & The Blinking of The Ear" is a sprawling, ambitious double album that showcases the bassist and composer's deep roots in free jazz, avant-garde, and hard bop. Released on November 9, 2018, under Centering Records, this 115-minute journey is a testament to Parker's virtuosic skill and his ability to blend raw emotion with intricate musical structures.
The album features a diverse range of tracks, from the haunting "Fallen Flower" and the poignant "Emmett Till" to the uplifting "Living Hope" and the meditative "Heavenly Home Meditation on Peace (Part One & Two)." Parker's compositions are both deeply personal and universally resonant, touching on themes of love, loss, hope, and social justice.
With its blend of free jazz improvisation and hard bop precision, "Flower In a Stained-Glass Window & The Blinking of The Ear" is a challenging yet rewarding listen. Parker's bass playing is a constant force throughout, anchoring the music while also pushing it forward into uncharted territory. The album is a testament to Parker's enduring influence on the jazz world and his ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
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