An American Music Playlist From New York Bassist William Parker

The term "American music" means many things to many people. It is a term for which there is no singular definition and no singular sound, determined empirically by an individual's tastes and experiences.

In this occasional series, exploring the many definitions of American music, Here & Now has been speaking to musicians and musically-minded people about what they think.

William Parker, an experimental improvisational jazz bassist from New York, speaks with Here & Now about how his decades-long career has influenced how he hears the American sound. And he answers the question, "what does American music mean to you?"

"America the Beautiful: The Account of Its Disappearance, Mvmt. #6, Due To A Lack of Interest, Tomorrow Has Been Canceled" by Gary McFarland, from the album "America the Beautiful: The Account of Its Disappearance" (1969), Just Jazz Records

"Sunday in America" by Ornette Coleman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, from the album "Skies of America" (1972), Sony Music

"Witchi Tia To" by Jim Pepper from the album "The Path" (1988), Enja Records

"Corn Meal Dance" by William Parker, from the album "Corn Meal Dance" (2007), AUM Fidelity