Soul funk sax player Maceo Parker is bringing his band to San Diego later this month.
The world-renowned Parker -- or just Maceo, as everyone calls him -- may be 68, but he shows no signs of age: His shows are always an amazing mix of James Brown's discipline, Parliament's flash and Prince's beats. Maceo started his career nearly 50 years ago in Brown's band, playing with the notoriously demanding R&B superstar off-and-on between 1964 and 1988. P
After a 25-year education with Brown and a few side-projects, Maceo -- now a master bandleader in his own right -- decided to go solo for good. Soon, Parker was in the studio with Ray Charles, Prince, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Ani Difranco and others.
After working with Maceo, DiFranco had this to say: "When I think of Maceo Parker, I think of legendary funk master and horn player, but not ‘legend’ in the term that he’s done. He’s still doing it. And that to me makes a really legendary person."
Since 1970, Maceo has released 15 albums under his own name, and he's currently touring to support his latest effort, 2009's acclaimed Roots & Grooves.
Anyone who's ever seen Maceo live knows to expect a party atmosphere with plenty of dancing -- so if you're looking for a memorable, hyper-high-energy night, the Belly Up on April 29 is your place to be. Get your tickets here.
T. Loper is a writer and photographer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
