He played with James Brown. He played with Parliament-Funkadelic. He played with De La Soul.
And on Sunday night, legendary funk saxophonist Maceo Parker is playing Pittsburgh.
“We try to carry a party-hardy have-a-good-time kind of atmosphere wherever we play,” Parker said when asked about his expectations for the upcoming show.
The concert is at the Byham Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets for adults range between $20.75 and $37.75 and are available online at www.pgharts.org or by calling the box office at 412-456-6666.
Those planning to attend can look forward to a therapeutic musical experience, Parker predicts.
“Sometimes the audience doesn't really know that what they need is a good show. When people find out it's a party and they're really being entertained, they appreciate that and forget their troubles,” he said.
Parker said he may play a ballad or two if the mood hits him but overall the vibe is expected to be straight-ahead funky.
The saxophonist said a lot of his fans come out expecting to relive hits from his days playing with the late James Brown and that's OK. Parker said for him, the concept of funky never goes out of style.
“Ten years ago or 10 years from now, if it's funky, it's funky. It's its own reward.”
Parker released 15 solo albums and appeared in scores of other recordings since making his debut on Brown's 1964 record “Out of Sight.”
His most recent solo recording was “Roots & Grooves” on the Heads Up record label and he's been making regular appearances on Prince records since 1999.
“What I like about funky music is it has no boundaries,” Parker said. “I love people and I love this kind of music. I'll try to keep going as long as I can.”
