Although Errol Parker’s music was largely ignored by jazz musicians, it was very original and fresh. Parker’s tentet was unique because it used poly-tonality, simultaneous soloing and his own drumming. This gave Parker’s music a distinct African sound. He was a self-taught pianist and moved to Paris in 1947 to study sculpture. However, he soon began playing jazz. Under his original name Raph Schecroun, Parker recorded sessions with Kenny Clarke and James Moody. He also played on and off with Don Byas between 1956 and 1958. In 1960, Parker recorded commercial music on the organ and, in order to get out of an exclusive contract to record jazz versions on piano of Top 40 material, he adopted the pseudonym Errol. These records were so successful that Parker had to permanently change his name. Parker had to alter his style after a car accident in 1963 ended his commercial success. He founded the Errol Parker Experience in New York, where he had two horns. He was unhappy with other drummers and began to double on the drums. The first records for his Sahara label feature Parker playing both piano and drums (via overdubbing). He formed a large band while teaching at Williamsburg Music Center in 1982. This became his tentet. Parker switched to drums after he stopped using the piano for solo performances. He recorded a solo piano tribute for Thelonious Monk with sidemen such as Robin Eubanks and Wallace Roney, Donald Harrison (and Graham Haynes), Byard Lancaster, Jimmy Owens, and Philip Harper. Parker passed away from liver cancer on June 2, 1998.
