Award Winning Composer JONATHAN PARKER Releases New Album 'Interloper'

One Trick Dog Records is pleased to announce the release of Interloper, the second studio album from Washington DC-based saxophonist Jonathan Parker. Recorded at both Peter Karl Studios in Brooklyn, NY and the legendary Inner Ear Studio in Arlington, VA, Interloper features Parker's writing and arranging for jazz octet. While firmly rooted in the post-bop tradition, Parker's writing and playing also draw influences from more contemporary sources. The result is a recording which pairs the sensitivity and finesse of a classical ensemble with the freedom and interplay of a modern jazz group. Interloper will be available on Amazon.com and iTunes on January 6, 2015.

The concept for Interloper began in the fall of 2013. While technically a jazz musician, Parker soon found himself working with artists in genres outside of the traditional jazz realm. His experiences performing and arranging for indie rock ensembles and stand-up comedy shows not only influenced his approach to playing and writing jazz but also helped to reinforce the notion that regardless of genre, music is a universal language. Steeped in the jazz tradition but informed and influenced by Parker's experiences in Washington D.C.'s rich indie scene, Interloper is Parker's declaration of musical independence.

The octet assembled for this recording consists of some of Parker's closest friends and musical associates, whom he's worked and recorded with extensively: Curtis Ostle (bass), Alex Ritz (drums), Chris Pattishall (piano), Dave Chisholm (trumpet), Paul Jones(tenor saxophone), Owen Broder (baritone saxophone and bass clarinet), and Peter Nelson (trombone).

From Washington D.C. to Shanghai, China, saxophonist Jonathan Parker has brought a dynamic musicianship to appreciative audiences around the world. As a sideman, leader and teacher, Parker has synthesized a varied musical and educational background as he makes his mark on the international jazz scene.

Since graduating from The Oberlin Conservatory of Music in 2008, where he studied under jazz legend Gary Bartz, Jonathan has gone on to perform in cities across the United States and China. He relocated to Shanghai in 2008, where he lived and performed for two years. During his time in Shanghai, Jonathan became an in-demand sideman, appearing at jazz/pop festivals in cites throughout China including Beijing, Hangzhou and Hong Kong.

In 2010 Jonathan relocated to New York City, where he released his critically-acclaimed debut album, The Jonathan Parker Group. That same year The Kennedy Center, recognizing Jonathan's talent for jazz composition and performance, accepted him into their Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program. Jonathan is also a recipient of the prestigious ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award for the year 2012.

Photo Credit: Official site