About Robert Parker

Robert Parker, Musician, Band Leader, Professional.

Consistent. You can trust that the music will be at a level that enhances. Volume, tempo and material to suit the desired mood and occasion.

A highly regarded pianist with a broad range of tastes and experience in jazz, r & b, rock, country, and classical music. While listening to Robert Parker, it is easy to find common ground when he performs for a diverse audience.

Award winning pianist and graduate of the Drake University Instrumental Music Department, Robert Parker has been performing professionally for 4 decades on record as well as in concert. Fond of memorable melodies, dynamics, chord textures and driving rhythms derived from classical and jazz experiences from within the string section of Orchestras (St. Bass, Violin), Big Bands (St. Bass, Piano) and Country (piano), and Concert bands (Bass Horn, St. Bass). Known for a solid left hand and classically fueled cadenzas or a gentle touch when coaxing the heart into ballads, his style is dynamic and memorable. Having performed on and produced and scored (strings, horns, vocals) countless recordings in the field of Country Music, the Iowa native is also known for his ground breaking weekly appearances in the early 80's on the Country Variety TV show, Ozark Opry.

In addition to Robert Parker winning a North County Entertainment Music Awards “Best Jazz” Category (1984 PURL Band), he has been inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Iowa / Midwest Music Heritage Hall of Fame.

Music

Specializing in high-end private events, providing music covering a broad range of preferences, performed at the highest level of professionalism.

Song / Artist Sampler List

In addition to Dramatic, Melodic, Jazzy and Symphonic original music that can set a unique backdrop to your event, I have a vast repetoire of familiar tunes from a variety of genres and influences, from Pop, Country, Jazz, R & B and Classics. A small sample of material and styles:

Duke Ellington (Prelude to a kiss, Sophisticated Lady, Satin Doll)

Seals and Croft (Summer Breeze)

James Taylor (Caroline, Don't let me be, etc.)

Elton John (multiple)

Cold Play (Clocks)

Beatles (Let it be, Eleanor Rigby, Yesterday, Something in the way she moves, Lady Godiva,

Baby I'm Amazed, And I love her ...)

Thelonius Monk ('Round Midnight)

Corinne Bailey Rae (multiple)

Van Morrison (Moon Dance, Have I told you lately)

Streisand (Evergreen, Alfie)

Tony Bennett (San Francisco, etc.)

Patsy Cline (Crazy)

Gershwin (Summertime, It Ain't Necessarily So)

Sting (Fragile, Fields of Gold...)

Stevie Wonder (I wish, if its Magic, Sunshine of my Life, Another Star, For Once in My Life)

Bach (Inventions, etc.)

Miles Davis (All Blues)

Golson (Killer Joe)

Jobim (Quiet Nights)

Glenn Campbell (Wichita Lineman)

Herbie Hancock (various)

Eagles (Desperado)

Floyd Krammer (Last Dance)

Dave Brubeck (Take 5)

Jim Croce (Time in a Botltle)

Christopher Cross (Sailing, The City..)

Theme from Andy Griffith Show

Theme from Mash

Theme from Exodus

Show Tunes such as, (Over the Rainbow, Sound of Music, Themes from Phantom, etc.)

Vince Giraldi (Linus and Lucy, multiple)

Roberta Flack (First Time Ever...)

Todd Rundgren (Hello it's Me)

Bono (Hello)

Ray Charles (Georgia)

Simon and Garfunkel (Scarboro Fair, Bridge Over..)

Night in Tunisia

Bonnie Raitt (I can't make you love me, Let's Give them something...)

Honky Tonk Woman

Kenny Rogers/Lionell Richie (Lady)

Bett Midler (The Rose)

Al Jarreau (Mornin')

George Benson (Masquerade)
Brenda Russell (Get Here)

Isely Brothers (Living for the Love)
Embraceable You,

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

My One and Only Love

Here's that Rainy Day

Age of Aquarius, (5th Dimension)

Always on my mind (Willie Nelson)

Chopin Etude in E minor (original arrangement)

Client testimonials

"Robert Parker has twice performed for special events at Carruth Cellars Winery On Cedros, and delighted our guests and crew! Most recently, he provided four hours of lively and melodic tunes during the installation of our community mosaic project; coming back for encore after encore. The Winery On Cedros crew highly recommends Robert Parker! Sincerely, Adam Carruth, Owner/Winemaker of Carruth Cellars"

"Robert provided music for several City sponsored events including our City's 20th Anniversary Celebration. It is my pleasure to recommend the talents of Robert Parker as a professional entertainer. He understands the nuances of what is required for each type of audience and event and delivers both front-and-center musicianship as well as background ambience. I would recommend his versatile and accomplished services to anyone."

Sincerely, Lesa Heebner - Solana Beach City Council Member (former Mayor).

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"Robert, I still open the Chamber Sundowners by playing your melodic CD...and then announce that YOU are the one we are listening to...So very well received... ..... I hope there will be an opportunity to listen again soon in person."

David L Carroll (former President, Solana Beach, California Chamber of Commerce)

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"Robert Parker has entertained for us for three years and is wonderfully talented and professional to the utmost. He has an enormous repertoire in jazz and what was very important to us is that Mr. Parker conducts himself in the utmost professional manner.
Yours truly,
Milton Gee"
Private Events

Scripps Ranch, CA

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"Dear Robert, Thank you for making our daughter's graduation party such a huge success. Your fabulous music not only added a touch of elegance, but truly made the occasion magical. Your vast range of music mesmerized both the older and younger guests. Everyone had the perfect evening listening to you. I look forward to having you make our next special occasion as memorable as the last. You are truly the best! Thank you, "

Bridget Young

Rancho Sante Fe, CA

"Robert performed for JW Floor Covering at the grand opening of our showroom in 2008. He was great! His music set the perfect backdrop and allowed for a classy, comfortable feeling. I highly recommend Robert for any event. He is extremely professional, is very talented and a pleasure to deal with."

From: Tauna Rodarte Manager
JW Floor Covering Design Center
San Diego, CA

Robert Parker Piano

Elegant, classy performances of the music you know and love