Maceo Parker

Maceo Parker

Maceo Parker is a US funk and soul jazz saxophonist from Kinston, North Carolina, born in 1943. He is best known for his role in shaping James Brown’s sound and for his work across funk, jazz and soul jazz.

Early life and family

He grows up in a musical family in Kinston. Both of his parents sing in church, and both of his brothers are musicians, playing drums and trombones.

Work with James Brown

Parker and his brother Melvin join James Brown in 1964. Brown later writes that he initially wants Melvin as his drummer, but agrees to take Maceo as part of the arrangement. Parker becomes an important part of Brown’s band and returns to it again in 1973. He also works with Brown from 1984 to 1988.

Other bands and collaborations

In the early 1970s, Parker, Melvin and several of Brown’s band members form Maceo & All the King’s Men, which tours for two years. In 1975 he leaves with members of Brown’s group, including Fred Wesley, to join George Clinton’s Parliament. His associations also include Parliament-Funkadelic, The J.B.’s, The Horny Horns, George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars, Sweat Band, The P-Funk Mob, The One Nite Alone Band, J-Funk Express and The JB Horns.

Solo career

From the 1990s, Parker develops a solo career and releases seven solo records. He also begins contributing regularly to recordings by Prince and touring with The New Power Generation in the late 1990s.

Live work and recording style

Parker tours extensively and is known for long stage performances. His touring band has included bassist Rodney Skeet Curtis and other musicians, and has been billed as “the greatest little funk orchestra on earth”. He plays a Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone with a Selmer Brilhart “Ebolin” #5 mouthpiece, which is associated with his distinctive funk sound.

Recent recording note

He records Roots & Grooves with the WDR Big Band as a tribute to Ray Charles, whom he names as one of his main influences.