ohn "Tasty" Parker: New Orleans star drummer Zutty Singleton called him "Tasty" because of the tasty, improvised licks that come from Johnny's trumpet when he plays for delighted audiences worldwide! Encouraged to play jazz trumpet by the great bassist George Duvivier, after graduating from high school in Flushing, Queens, Johnny Parker took his style to New York City's legendary clubs on 52nd Street, then on the road with R&B bandleaders Roosevelt Sykes ("the Honeydripper") and Sax Kari. Johnny recorded with Sykes, singer Etta Jones, Gatemouth Moore, Sy Oliver, and stepped in for Cat Anderson in Duke Ellington's band. In the 1950s, Parker gigged with Sonny Rollins and Thelonious Monk, and in the 1970s, with pianist Brooks Kerr and famed drummer Sonny Greer. Tasty's credentials continue: he played with Harry Connick, Jr. at the Algonquin Hotel, and with Terri Thornton for the house jazz band at the Casa Bella Restaurant in Little Italy. Johnny Parker is the quintessential New York City music personality: this "strolling trumpeter" serenaded clients at the famous Chelsea Place. His appearance on the "Shining Star" video for Mesa/Blue Moon productions aired on Black Entertainment Television and other cable television stations. Catch Johnny "Tasty" Parker at Arthur's Tavern Tuesday through Friday.