“This Thang’s Got Fire” – Antonio Parker at Caton Castle
[Photo Courtesy of Antonio Parker]
On March 7th, 2026, saxophonist Antonio Parker graced the stage at Caton Castle. He performed with the Antonio Parker Quintet, with Reginald Cyntje (trombone), Hope Ubodi (piano), Cheyney Thomas (bass), and Lenny Robinson (drums).
This was my first visit to Caton Castle, a Black-owned Jazz club in Southwest Baltimore. I immediately noticed a sign that boasted “Where America’s Music Comes Alive”, and it did not take long for me to realize why. This venue boasted a superb sound system, paired with a soft yellow glow that created a cozy ambiance. I ordered a moscato and watched as seats filled, a quiet anticipation settling in as Parker and his quintet took the stage.
The lights dimmed and all eyes turned towards the stage, with Parker shining bright in a bold pink blazer. The ensemble began the night with a relaxed rendition of “Dear Old Stockholm” a traditional Swedish folk song reworked by Stan Getz and Miles Davis in the 1950s. Moving into another familiar piece, the group played an arrangement of “To Wisdom, The Prize” by Larry Willis. This tune began with a low, brooding bass line from Thomas that drew me in, with the smooth main melody carried by Cyntje on the trombone. Ubodi added a strong solo on the keys.
Parker treated the room to some of his striking original compositions as well. “Dimensions” featured a strong blend of Parker and Cyntje, blending the sounds of the saxophone and trombone for an energetic piece. The standout tune of the night was Parker’s original “Trane’s Thang,” which had a spirited piano intro from Ubodi and a foot-tapping melody sustained by Robinson on the drums. It was another example of a beautiful harmony between Parker and Cyntje, and there was a raw, raspy sound from Cyntje on the trombone that made it unforgettable. I haven’t been able to get this song out of my head since. Towards the end, the quintet fell silent and allowed Parker a well-deserved solo. The crowd went still as Parker rocked back and forth, sweat dripping as he delivered an epic finish to his original. As this set concluded, there was a loud eruption of claps and whistles from the audience.
A Philadelphia native, Parker has honed his craft and captivated crowds all over the globe. He plays with an unapologetic passion, and you can feel every bit of soul through his music. In 2026, Parker celebrates the ten-year anniversary of his album “Planetentiary”. This album along with his other work can be found on Amazon, Spotify, and Apple Music.
–by Marcus Tuah
Marcus Tuah is an aspiring freelance journalist with a growing passion for covering arts and culture. He especially values events that bring communities together and showcase creativity. By day, Tuah works for a non-profit dedicated to creating urban green spaces and strengthening communities throughout Baltimore