| Little Big is Parks’ follow-up to his 2008 leader debut, Invisible Cinema (Blue Note), recorded with guitarist Mike Moreno, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Eric Harland. The quartet interpreted and improvised upon Parks’ cogent refractions of indie rock, hip-hop, electronica and Bulgarian music. The CD quickly assumed signpost stature for a sizable cohort of Parks’ Generation X and millennial peer group. “The way Aaron orchestrated melodies between guitar and piano changed the way people wrote songs, especially in the ‘modern jazz’ world,” said pianist James Francies, 23 (Chris Potter, Pat Methany). Turning over fresh ground in the bright harmonic landscape opened up by Keith Jarrett and particularly Pat Metheny’s groups with pianist Lyle Mays, Little Big has a sound all its own, and Parks – evincing his usual disinclination to show off – makes plenty of space for the individual voices of guitarist Greg Touhey, bassist David Ginyard and drummer Tommy Crane.
Seattle-born pianist Aaron Parks has been a moving target in recent years, recording an ineffable solo debut for ECM, Arborescence, and co-leading the open-minded James Farm band with saxophonist Joshua Redman, as well as maintaining an active sideman presence with innovators such as Kurt Rosenwinkel and Gretchen Parlato. But Little Big, the band that gives its name to his latest studio visit as leader, sounds like the pianist may be ready to settle down.
The band intends on releasing a second album under the Little Big name, so expect to hear lots of new tunes at Dazzle! | 