Jeff Parker bringing innovative sounds to Hancher’s Strauss Hall

Jeff Parker is as versatile as he is inventive.

The jazz guitarist, who incorporates elements of hip-hop, funk and R&B, consistently challenges his audience whether as a solo artist, playing with avant-garde indie rockers Tortoise or performing with left of center jazz artist Joshua Abrams.

Parker, 56, who will perform Saturday, Jan. 27.2024, at Hancher with his eclectic ensemble, The New Breed, always is pushing the envelope. The Berklee College of Music alum was as impacted by his university years as he was by hip-hop from a generation ago.

The master beatmaker was influenced by the incredibly dense work of Public Enemy.

“When I heard the sample-based work of groups like Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest, my take on jazz changed completely,” Parker said while calling from his Los Angeles home. “When hip-hop became sample-based back in the ’90s, it all changed for me.”

Parker doesn’t get enough credit for releasing a number of tremendous albums, including 2003’s “Like-Coping,” 2005’s “The Relatives,” and 2016’s “The New Breed.”

He is an adventurous solo artist, but like some of his peers, it wasn’t so easy, since he was content working in groups.

“It wasn’t easy putting myself out there as a solo artist for the first time when I made ‘Like-Coping,’ ” he said. “That was a difficult album to make, since it was me out there for the first time. I didn’t expect to have a solo career, but I went in that direction after being fine with just playing in bands with my close friends and having us write music together.”

“Like-Coping” is an inspired post-bop record with Parker leading the way while flanked by drummer Chad Taylor and bassist Chris Lopes. The album is an ear-opener, but “The New Breed” is when Parker really took off.

He goes back to his early ’90s inspirations by creating loops from his vinyl collection, but the focal point remains Parker's guitar, which is filled with energy and spontaneity. “The New Breed” is warm like a summer breeze.

“That album was an interesting one to make, since it was me producing my music, writing all the songs and making all the decisions,” Parker said.

“Suite for Max Brown,” the 2020 album dedicated to his mother, is a continuation of the sound of “The New Breed.” Parker leaves enough room to bounce around. He hits his stride with his unique cover of John Coltrane’s “After the Rain.” “Three for L” is a gorgeous ballad delivered by Parker and unparalleled drummer Jay Bellerose. “Suite for Max Brown” is complex but still accessible.

“I took a big step with ‘Suite for Max Brown,’ ” he said. “I recorded most of it in my home studio and I played a lot of the instruments myself. I have no complaints. It worked out.”

It’s not surprising that Parker was able to do some extra heavy lifting, since he’s always been up to the task, whether it’s his own project or part of a group. Parker is capable and inventive.

“I do what I can,” he said. “I’m fortunate that I’ve always been able to do what I love for a living. I’ve had so many amazing experiences, and the great thing is that there is still more for me to work on.”

If Parker stopped making music, he could easily rest on his laurels, since he’s well respected throughout the industry and has a legion of fans.

“I’m thankful for everything,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for it, but people continue to come out, and I’m so grateful.”