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LEON PARKER RETURNS WITH THE SIMPLE LIFE ON AUGUST 21ST

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On August 21, 2001, Label M/PDSE Music Group will release The Simple Life, the first new album in over three years by “rhythmist" Leon Parker. One of the most dynamic percussionists in music today, Parker is often deemed a jazz artist, however his music goes far beyond the traditional boundaries of the genre to incorporate a panoply of multicultural styles and influences. His debut album for Label M reunites the percussion master with producer Joel Dorn, who produced Parker's first two records, and celebrates the virtues of artistic freedom and expression.



“It's almost as if I'm getting a brand new start," says Parker. “The music is flowing and everyone involved is working together as a unit. I had the most fun I've ever had in my career making this record."



“Leon Parker is not only a brilliant musician, he's an original. There are very few originals these days," states Dorn. “He is always who he is, and that's very, very appealing. He's a complete artist."



Parker's most ambitious album to date, The Simple Life combines performances captured on the streets of New York City with “live" and studio recordings. Guest artists and collaborators include his longtime bassist Ugonna Okegwo, saxophonists Sam Newsome and Steve Wilson and a host of percussionists, while vocalist Elizabeth Kontonmanou is featured throughout the recording.



Parker delves deep into a vast spectrum of exotic rhythms, including Middle Eastern, Afro-Cuban and vocal body percussion. Songs will include versions of the Duke Ellington classic “Caravan" and Thelonious Monk's “Green Chimneys," along with original compositions “Everyday," “Fast Life," “Divinity Pt. I & II" and “Makin' Love."



“The music exists on three planes and the magic of the record is how the three planes come together," concludes Dorn.



In addition to three previous albums as a leader and a co-led date with Charlie Hunter, Parker's among the most in-demand percussionists in the business, contributing to recordings by James Carter, David Sanchez and Tom Harrell and touring with Jacky Terrasson and Dewey Redman.



www.LeonParker.com & www.LabelM.com

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