Parker Paul

Originating from Ohio, Parker Paul (Wilkinson) presents a set of piano-centered songs that shift between humorous and sharply grave or ironic yet remain unfailingly perceptive, recalling the irreverent manner of Randy Newman's nephew. In Charlottesville, VA, he teamed with Adam Busch—who would later form Manishevitz—to establish the Curious Digit. The band delivered two albums on Jagjaguwar before disbanding in 1998. After serving as touring keyboardist for Royal Trux, Parker Paul issued his first solo album in 1999 on Jagjaguwar, the solo and vaudevillian Lemon Lime Room. Following wide-ranging performances at nightclubs, summer camps, hospitals, and weddings alike, he released Wingfoot in late 2001 on Jagjaguwar. This effort featured full-band support and contributions from Chicago notables including Vandermark 5 trombonist Jeb Bishop, avant cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm, and former Curious Digit member Adam Busch.