Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly

We experienced Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly at a small club in New York City and almost instantly, we knew we needed to bring them to the tent– and they’re coming Monday, July 21.

The Unlawful Assembly reimagines and tributes historic spirituals and hymns which universally inspire, empower and unite. Leader/guitarist/singer Walter Parks, longtime sideman to Woodstock legend Richie Havens, is joined by featured artists drummer/producer Steven Williams, Ada Dyer on vocals who’s currently touring worldwide with Bruce Springsteen (!) and Andrae Murchison on trombone.

In the span of one concert, The Unlawful Assembly entertains and informs while successfully melding roots music of divergent origins. The soundtrack to American black history – old-school spirituals, gospel, blues, and prison work chants intertwine with swamp hollers, shaped-note hymns and Appalachian reels of white homesteader origin.

Parks’ native northeast Florida swampy feel borrows from southern rock, jazz, early 70’s soul and few gospel interpretations that rest joyfully upon a foundation of modern electronic loops.