The Parker Abbott Trio, a keyboard-focused group of Toronto-based musicians, explores the intersections between two drummers and a pianist. They also use a wide sonic palette. The writing and improvising group was formed by Simeon and Teri Abbott, both pianists (Idioteque and Teri Parker Quartet). Both are well-known jazz pianists in Toronto, but their collaboration allowed them to use a variety of textures. They used electric keyboards and an organ. Their first album Gallery was self-released by them in 2011. Gallery also showed their many influences. It included jazz (nicely located somewhere along the Monk–Peterson Axis), classical (shades Bartok, Debussy), as well as more avant-leaning touchstones like Cecil Taylor or John Cage. Spontaneous Combustion Magazine described Gallery as “a wonderful, unique and refreshing addition” to the music scene. The album is filled with original compositions and carefully selected material, and some improvisational departures. The duo became a trio in late 2011 with drummer Mark Segger, who is well-known for his work with The Thing Is, Kyle Brenders Quartet and See Through Quintet. Segger was familiar with Abbott’s improvising skills and had previously played in various ad-hoc situations. Segger is a great choice for the drum seat because of his experience in other Toronto combos. The group became a three-piece over the next year and had a Banff Centre residency by the beginning of 2013. They were there that the majority of their material, The Wayfinders, was conceived. The Wayfinders, the group’s first album as a trio was a huge step forward. Parker and Abbott’s compositional skills are the core of the group sound. However, Segger added propulsion and a new textural dynamic to make the album more complex. The album explores the possibilities of a new auditory environment. It features drumming that alternates between loose-limbed swing and shuffle-pop grooves. The Parker Abbott Trio has been carving out a niche for themselves with The Wayfinders and their latest release, Elevation, continues this trend. Elevation builds on their first album’s textural complexity. The compositions in Elevation seamlessly switch between an acoustic grand piano and organs, synthesizers and melodica. It creates a rich, rich aural environment that is gradually structured and performed. However, it still retains the classical and jazz inspirations that have fueled the trio since the beginning. The combination of studio-oriented sound details and jazz-oriented writing and improvisation on Elevation brings to mind the work and style of contemporary stylists like Marco Benevento and Bill Frisell. The Parker Abbott Trio’s album Elevation is a masterpiece that will be admired by jazz listeners who are forward-thinking and anyone else who wants to hear original, well-executed music. from www.parkerabbotttrio.com
