Jonathan Parker

Jonathan Parker is a saxophonist who was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, now currently residing in New York City. He graduated from The Oberlin Conservatory in 2008 where he studied under jazz legend Gary Bartz, as well as other world-class musicians, including Wendell Logan, Marcus Belgrave, Billy Hart, Dan Wall, and Robin Eubanks. Upon graduation Jonathan relocated to Shanghai, China, where he lived and performed for two years and in the fall of 2010 Jonathan moved to New York City. Currently in New York, Jonathan plays and is associated with many talented and innovative young musicians who are at the vanguard of modern jazz. In addition, Jonathan leads his own group for which he exclusively composes and arranges. Influenced by a wide range of musical genres and manifesting his experiences from all over the world, Jonathan Parker’s compositions and improvisations have been described by reviewers from All About Jazz as “bold,” “having an intense energy,” “sentimental,” and “emotional.” Growing up in Alexandria, VA, a suburb of Washington D.C., Jonathan was exposed to the rich music culture of the nation’s capital and began studying the saxophone when he was thirteen. Originally studying with alto saxophonist Connie Frigo �" currently a member of the New Century Saxophone Quartet, Jonathan soon discovered jazz, citing Charlie Parker as his first major influence. This new fascination led him to study jazz saxophone throughout his high school years with alto saxophonist William Mulligan �" a member of the United States Navy Band’s Commodores Jazz Ensemble. Throughout his time in high school, Jonathan performed at venues throughout the D.C. area, including Blues Alley Jazz Club, The Kennedy Center, and Twins Jazz. Additionally, he volunteered his weekends to teach music and saxophone at The Patricia M. Sitar Center for The Performing Arts. In the spring of 2004, Jonathan was accepted into the National High School Wind Ensemble �" an ensemble consisting of the top high school instrumentalists in the country. After a week of rehearsals in New York City, the group performed several nights at Carnegie Hall. Also in 2004, Jonathan enrolled at The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied privately with both Gary Bartz and Robin Eubanks. Additionally, he had the opportunity to take classes and learn from other world-renowned musicians including Wendell Logan, Dan Wall, Billy Hart, and Marcus Belgrave. In his four years of study, Jonathan was able to perform alongside many musical legends including Jimmy Heath, Dave Brubeck, and Slide Hampton.

Throughout his time in Oberlin Jonathan, performed and recorded with fellow students who have now forged their own careers in both New York City and Shanghai, mostly notably Sullivan Fortner, Theo Croker, Chris Mees, and Kassa Overall. Jonathan kept in touch with Oberlin alumni who were working and enjoying the rapidly growing jazz scene in Shanghai and upon graduation in 2008, he relocated to Shanghai where he quickly established himself as a top-call gun for hire. Performing regularly with foreign and native musicians alike, Jonathan could be heard at well-known Shanghai music clubs including JZ Club, The Cotton Club, CJW, and The House of Blues and Jazz. He also appeared for two consecutive years on the stage for the Shanghai Jazz Festival, performing alongside jazz megastars �" most notably, Dee Dee Bridgewater in 2009. Jonathan proved himself to be a constantly in-demand sideman by jazz and pop acts alike �" playing all across Asia in cities including Beijing, Hangzhou, Changsha, Wenzhou, and Hong Kong. In March 2010, Jonathan was recognized by The Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts as an outstanding composer and instrumentalist and was accepted into their prestigious two-week Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program. Working alongside other young jazz composers and performers, Jonathan had the opportunity to study and learn from jazz luminaries including Dr. Billy Taylor, Curtis Fuller, Winard Harper, and George Cables. The program culminated in several performances at The Kennedy Center, as well as a short Mid-Atlantic tour including a performance at the Birks Jazz Festival in Pennsylvania. By the fall of 2010, he packed his bags and moved from Shanghai to New York City, where he currently resides.

Awards

2010 Participant in The Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program