Composer/guitarist Jeff Parker is the guest on the latest episode of the International Anthem Podcast, which colors the context of albums released by the Chicago-born record label. For the episode, Parker spoke with host Ayana Contreras live in front of an audience of friends, family, and fans at Dorian's (Through The Record Shop) in Chicago, on December 1, 2021, ahead of the release of his new solo guitar album, Forfolks. They talk about record collecting, Parker’s journey to embracing solo guitar sonics as improvisational atmospheres, and more. You can hear their conversation below.

Forfolks includes interpretations of Thelonious Monk's “Ugly Beauty” and the standard “My Ideal,” plus six original compositions: two earlier tunes, “Four Folks" and “La Jetée,” and four new loop-driven, stratiform works that marry melodic improvisation with electronic textures. "A beautifully freewheeling, guitar-driven expression of joy and musical exploration," says Guitar World, "a masterpiece of improvisation." "Beautiful, resonant, and focused," says the Quietus. "This matches anything he’s produced during his career so far." You can hear it and get it here.