Bassist William Parker's discography is uncommonly rich in recordings of profound and lasting relevance. Recorded in late 2007 and released the following year, Petit Oiseau should be regarded as a triumphant achievement by one of the early 21st century's strongest and most rewarding quartets. The time-tempered chemistry that exists between Parker and drummer Hamid Drake is both sustaining nourishment and potent nerve tonic for the listener's soul. Trumpeter Lewis Barnes and alto saxophonist Rob Brown interact beautifully as the other quadrants of this exceptionally fine unit. Here the inexhaustible springs of Parker's imagination have resulted in eight colorful studies, three of which are cast as tributes to his musical heroes. "Malachi's Mode" honors Malachi Favors Maghostus, master bassist and multi-instrumental/founding member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago. "Shorter for Alan" salutes Wayne Shorter's brother, a trumpeter of uncompromising creativity who is remembered as a free jazz session leader, and for his collaborative work with Marion Brown and Archie Shepp. The driving force inherent in the Swedish hard bop recordings that bassist Tommy Potter made in 1956 seems to suggest that "Four for Tommy" is dedicated to that individual. Parker's tune may have even been directly inspired by Potter's album Hard Funk in Sweden. While this hunch is only conjectural, the auditory evidence is compelling. By way of contrast, "Dust from a Mountain" takes on an earthier atmosphere as Parker switches to cedar flute, Barnes mutes his trumpet, Drake coaxes living tones from the body of a balafon, and Brown swaps his alto for a bass clarinet. Petit Oiseau exists in an exalted category, among the finest recordings in all of William Parker's oeuvre. The visual artwork by David Kroll adds yet another dimension to this highly recommended album. ~ arwulf arwulf, Rovi

1		Medley: Groove Sweet/Groove #7/Hamid's Groove/Daughter's Joy
2		Talaps Theme
3		Petit Oisea
4		The Golden Bell
5		Four for Tommy
6		Malachi's Mode
7		Dust from a Mountain
8		Shorter for Alan