Nicki and Lisa Parrott grew up in Australia, and started studying music from the ages of six. They were introduced to jazz as teenagers and switched to their main instruments of Lisa on saxophone and Nicki on bass. After completing the Jazz Course at the Sydney Conservatorium, and freelancing around Sydney, they established strong reputations in the Australian jazz scene.

Lisa first came to New York in 1993 on a government grant to study with master saxophonist and composer Steve Coleman, and Nicki arrived in New York in 1994 on a grant to study with renowned bassist Rufus Reid. They have traveled the world performing in many groups for leaders needing both of their musical talents, as well as leading their own projects. This is their debut CD together.

 

Nicki and Lisa's musical influences range from the jazz tradition to various folk music from around the world, including Australia, Africa, India, Eastern and Western European music. This makes for an album with a broad appeal.

They have produced a very personal album that expresses breadth of emotion - from the exuberant and joyous opening track Come and Get It, to melancholy in Nicki's ballad Second Chances. There is a celebration of childhood in the rearrangement of the traditional Australian song Bound for South Australia - one of the first tunes Lisa and Nicki recall learning in school, and images of the outback are evoked in the Indian raga Sawari, with didgeridoo-like sounds. QRF is Lisa's tribute to her sister. This was Nicki's version of the alphabet at age two!

Pianist Kevin Hays' reharmonisation of Schumann's Cello Concerto, highlights the great empathy and sensitivity of this group. This piece is dedicated to the late great cellist Jacqueline Dupree, with the opening melody beautifully played on the bass by Nicki. She is deserving of the comparison to Dupree a reviewer made in the Washington Times (see Reviews).

For fans of Thelonious Monk's music, Lisa's rearrangement of Evidence in 5/4 is refreshing and highly original, illustrating her study and fascination with music of many cultures. The duet arrangement of Fats Wallers' Jitterbug Waltz featuring Lisa on baritone saxophone is a special favorite of producer Rufus Reid. Throughout this piece, listeners get a strong sense of their musical empathy and enjoyment of each other's playing.

The Awabakal Suite
This suite in three parts is dedicated to the Awabakal tribe of Australian Aborigines - the original inhabitants of the lake Lisa and Nicki grew up on. The last family of Awabakals died out in the 1840's. This suite also pays homage to all ancient cultures

Ron Jackson and Nicki Parrott "Concrete Jungle"
www.airmenrecords.com

PLK Trio "Bab Bab"

Lisa Parrott - saxophones
Chris Lightcap - bass
Heinrich Loebberling - drums
1-Little Wild Child
2-Amblin'
3-Bab Bab
4-Matambo
5-Dope Rope
6-Six Nettes
7-Pettiford Bridge
8-One for Eric
Please email for additional information and ordering.