Obadiah Parker is not what you’d expect. It’s tough to nail down their sound. With influences from artists like Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows, Miles Davis, and Bill Withers, their sound incorporates elements of funk, R&B;, gospel, blues, and folk through a singer/songwriter’s lens. Upon listening to this original and natural blend of styles you can’t help but admit that this band’s got soul.
The three members of Obadiah Parker have been together for seven years. Mat Weddle, Jessie Young, and Daniel Zehring met at a church in Scottsdale, Arizona before they were really musicians at all. In that setting, literally starting from scratch, they picked up their instruments and learned how play together. As they honed their individual talents playing in churches and youth camps throughout Arizona and California they formed an understanding about the music they made collectively and organically discovered a distinctive musical style. With that kind of history, Obadiah Parker shares a unique connection that comes across in their music and their performances that only seven years of practicing, performing, and traveling can develop.
In the summer of 2005, the group sought to find a stage for a growing number of original songs. Since then, Obadiah Parker has played coffee shops, bars, art galleries and music venues throughout the Phoenix area with a great response. The tight ensemble brings to their live show a passion and confidence that evokes excitement and exhilaration from their audience. Through heartfelt, searching lyrics and emotionally charged melodies in songs like “Fall/Back,” “So Hard to Find,” and “Suicide Note” songwriter Mat Weddle describes his own emotional journey, connecting audiences to personal and spiritual sentiments that are real and raw. On the other hand, Obadiah Parker can create infectious grooves with “The Sound Check Song”, “Burnt Offerings”, and “Salvation Jam” that are every bit as intelligent as they are funky and contagious. By the end of each set, Obadiah Parker has produced an experience that is genuine, accessible, and powerful.
