In this review, we will dive deep into the album's sound, themes, the musicianship behind the tracks, and the broader significance of this work within the context of Jeff Parker's career. Way Out of Easy is not just a reflection of Parker’s artistic growth but also a testament to the unique chemistry of the ETA IVtet and their ability to blend improvisation with soulful melodies.
The Formation of ETA IVtet: A New Chapter for Jeff Parker
The Enfield Tennis Academy (ETA) has been a significant musical outlet for Jeff Parker in Los Angeles. The band has evolved over time, but ETA IVtet brings a fresh perspective that contrasts with Parker’s earlier work with other jazz combos and his collaborations on the International Anthem label. The group’s dynamic features some familiar names, including:
Josh Johnson on amplified alto saxophone and electronics.
Anna Butterss on bass.
Jay Bellerose on drums and percussion.
This line-up is distinct in the way it blends modern jazz, soul, and electronic experimentation. Parker, already a veteran of the avant-garde jazz scene, pushes the boundaries of guitar playing, offering a more fluid, ambient approach to his instrument that complements the organic feel of ETA IVtet’s collective sound.
The Sound: A Shift Toward Soulful, Expansive Improvisation
"Way Out of Easy" sets itself apart from Parker’s earlier, more sparse and abstract compositions. Whereas his earlier works on the Chicago scene, such as those with Chicago Underground and the Tortoise collective, often explored complex, free-form improvisation, Way Out of Easy introduces a more unified, emotive approach. The album's tracks unfold with extended, flowing passages that highlight the ensemble’s ability to stretch beyond rigid structures, creating a deeply spiritual and organic soundscape.
The tracks on the album are expansive and emotive, with long instrumental passages that take their time to develop. This is a departure from Parker’s more angular, sometimes dissonant explorations of the past. The presence of electronics—particularly from Josh Johnson’s amplified alto sax—creates a shimmering, atmospheric quality, complementing the earthy rhythms laid down by Butterss and Bellerose.
Track Breakdown: Themes of Soul, Space, and Improvisation
"Easy Way Out"
The opening track sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric vibe and intricate interplay between Parker’s guitar and Johnson’s electronics-laced saxophone. The track feels like a slow, meditative journey, with the musicians exploring space and tension before coming together for a collective resolution. The track’s title, "Easy Way Out," seems to reflect a certain yearning for simplicity, yet the complexity of the musical exploration suggests that the path to resolution is never straightforward.
"Late Autumn"
A deeply introspective piece, "Late Autumn" brings out the best of the group’s interplay. Butterss’ bass lines provide a solid foundation, while Bellerose’s percussion creates an understated, yet crucial rhythmic backdrop. Parker’s guitar takes center stage here, using long, winding lines that mimic the feeling of leaves falling in slow motion. The track exudes a sense of melancholy, but there is an underlying warmth that provides emotional depth.
"Chrome Dome"
"Chrome Dome" is a funk-inflected, groove-driven track that highlights the band’s rhythm section. Bellerose’s drumming, with its loose yet precise groove, and Butterss’ deeply resonant bass, lock together in a way that brings a rich texture to the track. Parker’s guitar, with its clear but warm tone, adds a layer of complexity as it dances around the rhythm, both complementing and contrasting with the pulsing beat. The track’s title seems to reference something angular and sharp, but the music itself is surprisingly smooth.
"Freakadelic"
A more experimental track, "Freakadelic" stretches the boundaries of jazz fusion and electronic improvisation. Johnson’s alto sax, paired with electronics, creates a swirling, otherworldly atmosphere, while the rhythm section drives the piece forward with a slightly off-kilter pulse. Parker’s guitar weaves in and out of the texture, playing with dissonant tones and feedback, but always returning to moments of harmonic coherence. The title suggests a fusion of funk, jazz, and psychedelia—an apt description of the track's ever-evolving sound.
Musical Themes: Spirituality, Groove, and Collective Improvisation
One of the most striking features of Way Out of Easy is the spiritual quality that runs through the album. Unlike some of Parker’s earlier works, which focused heavily on intellectual or avant-garde approaches to jazz, this album is imbued with a sense of soulfulness and emotional depth. The long, flowing tracks emphasize collective improvisation, with each player contributing to a holistic, evolving sound. There is a sense that the music is driven by intuition rather than intellectual analysis, with the band members responding to one another in real-time with a deep sense of empathy.
The interplay between electronics and acoustic instruments is also a defining characteristic of the album. Josh Johnson’s use of amplified saxophone and subtle electronic effects creates an atmospheric quality that gives the music a sense of space and openness. The rhythmic foundation laid by Anna Butterss and Jay Bellerose is equally essential, giving the album a grounded sense of cohesion.
Jeff Parker’s Evolution: A Personal Journey in Sound
Way Out of Easy is not just a group effort; it is also a reflection of Jeff Parker’s own evolution as a guitarist and composer. Throughout the album, his guitar playing is characterized by a more lyrical, melodic approach, with fewer of the sharp angularities that characterized some of his earlier work. His guitar work is fluid and dynamic, often acting as both a melodic leader and an atmospheric presence within the group.
Parker has always been known for his ability to blend genres, but on this album, he seems to be working at a much more personal level. There is a meditative quality to his playing, as if he is communicating directly with his bandmates and the listener, rather than showcasing technical prowess. This personal approach to sound suggests that Parker is increasingly interested in creating music that is emotionally resonant, rather than merely intellectually challenging.
The New Sound of Jeff Parker & ETA IVtet
Way Out of Easy represents a significant turning point in Jeff Parker's career. It is an album that celebrates collective improvisation, spiritual depth, and a more organic approach to sound. By working with ETA IVtet, Parker has found a group of musicians who share his sense of experimentation while grounding their playing in groove and soulfulness.
The album’s combination of jazz, soul, and electronic elements creates a deeply immersive experience that feels both fresh and timeless. With tracks like "Easy Way Out," "Late Autumn," and "Freakadelic," Way Out of Easy offers a window into the current phase of Parker’s career, where his explorations are not just about pushing the boundaries of jazz, but also about connecting with the emotional and spiritual essence of music.
For listeners familiar with Parker's previous work, Way Out of Easy will be a revelation. It’s an album that demonstrates his ongoing growth as an artist and as a bandleader, presenting a sound that is both familiar and new. For those discovering Parker for the first time, it’s a perfect entry point into the world of one of modern jazz’s most innovative voices.
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