In the Past

"The line-up is the standard rhythm section and a saxophone out front ensemble, engaged in presenting a dozen of Parker's well-crafted, always engagements compositions. Several spins of the disc leaves the impression of Teri Parker as a gifted melodist… The set closes with its loveliest composition, "Saturn"—the most beautiful of celestial bodies inspiring a beautiful modern jazz sound." ★★★★☆ 

Dan McClenaghan – All About Jazz 

"Art without being artsy, this is a first call listening date, particularly for people in need of gorgeous playing that will simply take them away. Solidly played throughout, this is how they keep things hot in Toronto over the winter."

Chris Spector – The Midwest Record 

"The Teri Parker Quartet created a highly dynamic and varied evening of well-written originals and standards on Saturday, giving them an attentive and powerful performance. I appreciated seeing a group with such a capable all-woman front line – particularly two musicians like Parker and Au who were so well-attuned to each others' style of playing. We were glad we made a point of hearing this show and songs on In the Past."

Alayne McGregor – Ottawa Jazz Scene 

"On her debut album, Teri Parker offers a fresh and consistently rewarding take on the jazz piano quartet tradition… As a composer, Parker is much like she is as a player: poised, circumspect, and methodical. Whether supporting another or soloing herself, the pianist approaches her playing with deliberation, each note meaningful and each gesture related to the whole… This is an album that's not only thoroughly satisfying and marked by variety and surprise; it's also one long in the making. Laid down over two days in July 2016, In The Past was recorded four years after the band formed, an extended period that suggests the group had ample opportunity to woodshed the tunes before entering the studio. It's also, not incidentally, an album of which Parker can be deservedly proud." 

Ron Schepper – textura.org 

"Parker lays down elusive melodies that sometimes appear as serialistic gentle meanders, sometimes appear as jagged fits and starts. This is music one feels as well as hears… . I really like "On the Farm" a bluesy and thoughtful tune that set me to thinking of Billy Strayhorn. Don't ask me why. Parker's playing on the solo is just so comforting and reassuring. "

Hobart Taylor – KUCI 

"Refreshing and playful… "

Marty Delia – The Jazz Music Blog 

"The latest from Teri Parker is a nice laid-back piano session… all these tracks, regardless of the era they belong to, stick to a demeanor well suited to lazy Sunday afternoons when a peacefulness abides and a spark of life can resonate like mad. "

Dave Sumner – Bird Is The Worm 

"Teri Parker may be a pianist, but it is clear from the music of In the Past that she is first and foremost a composer with a distinctive voice…. Miss Parker is never far behind on her subtle forays into the thick of solo action. But she may be easy to miss sometimes. Her solos are not vehicles for hair-raising virtuosity, but every phrase she plays is a work of eloquence, placing its emphasis on intimate dialogue between herself and the rest of the quartet. Everywhere she shows her wonderful tonal control and rhythmic flexibility, which is how her soli come to reveal itself as a profoundly beautiful and irresistible reading of music. And that goes for each and every piece on this recording."

Raul da Gama – Toronto Music Report