Maceo Parker

The Profile

Maceo Parker is an American funk and soul-jazz saxophonist, famed for his work with James Brown and the J.B.’s and for a long, groove-heavy solo career. He has also collaborated with Parliament-Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, and Prince.

American funk/soul-jazz saxophonist; key sideman with James Brown and member of the J.B.’s; collaborations include Parliament-Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, and Prince; notable solo albums include Roots Revisited, Mo' Roots, Live On Planet Groove, and Roots & Grooves.

One review celebrates Maceo Parker’s Live On Planet Groove as a high-energy funk showcase—“2% Jazz, 98% Funky.” It frames Maceo as a gateway into jazz, praises the Cologne live setting, and highlights his links to James Brown and P-Funk alumni. The vibe: nonstop groove and crowd interplay.