Waltz For Gregory [CD]

Waltz For Gregory (being, tap dancer-singer-actor Gregory Hines) is yet another wonderfully distinct creation from one of America's Great Artists of the last half century, William Parker. Parker is in composer-lyricist-producer mode here - the mode that was monumentally presented on his abundantly acclaimed 2021 10CD/Album box set release, Migration of Silence Into and Out of The Tone World. This album was likewise beautifully realized by an inter-generational quintet of exceptionally gifted musicians. The title suite also presents the new young phenom of tap dance, Melissa Almaguer. Featured throughout is vocalist Andrea Wolper, who voiced Lights in The Rain (the Italian Directors Suite), an album within Migration of Silence.Also herein are a ballad for filmmaker Chantal Akerman, a voice/piano/oboe piece dedicated to Joseph Jarman, and the deeply moving Ukraine which is dedicated to the children of all wars. Total compassion for sentient beings with love in their hearts is on illuminated display throughout, as it effusively is throughout Parker's work. To this again we give thanks and praise while listening to this singularly gorgeous work.William Parker's song-craft & productions thereof were first pointedly put forth in his equally lauded Voices Fall From The Sky 3CD box set of 2018, which was hailed for the eternal nature of it's beauty and on which singer Andrea Wolper was also featured. MUSICIANS: William Parker: composer, lyricist, producer / Andrea Wolper: vocals / Bruce Barth: piano / Melissa Almaguer: tap dance on Waltz For Gregory / Jim Ferraiuolo: oboe, alto sax / Steve Swell: trombone / Ken Filiano: bass / Kevin Murray: drums