Highlights of Evan Parker at 70

A legendary figure on the European avant garde jazz scene, Evan Parker’s performances are not for the faint hearted but open-minded newbies and fans of improvised music are in for a real treat.
The programme places Parker in a wide array of musical settings, showcasing the extent of his range. It opens with a collaboration between the saxophonist and lauded Australian experimental jazz trio The Necks at Cafe OTO (20 Oct), followed by three sets at the Vortex (21 Oct) over the course of which Parker will lead a trio with drummer Chris Corsano and regular sparring partner John Edwards on bass, a duo with brass and reeds player Joe McPhee and a quartet with all three guest musicians. Later in the week he’ll team up with pianist John Tilbury and percussionist Eddie Prévost (22 Oct, Cafe OTO); Black Top (Pat Thomas and Orphy Robinson), John Edwards and percussionist Steve Noble (23 Oct, Vortex); and John Edwards and guitarist John Russell (24 Oct, Cafe OTO).
The final two dates in the series showcase the electronic side to Parker’s work. On 25 November the saxophonist will appear at the Vortex as part of the Trance Map Quartet, which features Matthew Wright on computer and turntables, cellist Hannah Marshall and veteran bass player Barry Guy. And the series looks set to end on a high with a performance from the Evan Parker Electro-Acoustic Ensemble at Cafe OTO on 26 October.