Bassist William Parker is one of the primary torch bearers for the jazz avant garde, and 2007's CORN MEAL DANCE shows yet another facet of his kaleidoscopic musicality. Streamlining his usual left-field explorations, Parker blends soul, pop, and free jazz on CORN MEAL DANCE, employing the talents of singer Leena Conquest on a batch of spectral, well-crafted tunes. Parker's usual group, which includes drummer Hamid Drake, is also here, as is the excellent pianist Eri Yamamoto. These evocative, vocal-based tracks may seem surprising to those used to Parker's usual fare, but one listen through CORN MEAL DANCE will covert the suspicious.