"William Parker's Lifting The Sanctions is a tour-de-force of solo bass. Words can't express the master musicianship that radiates from Parker's music. There is a strong focus throughout this release on Parker's bowing and composition. Parker's insightful liner notes on bass theory and technique are invaluable for anyone who is familiar with his music."-No More Records

"It is difficult for any soloist to maintain the interest of a listener for an entire CD. The string bassist, with seemingly limited palate, would appear to be one of the hardest instrumentalists of all to perform for an hour by himself. That William Parker does so with excitement, verve, and a wide range of emotion is itself a startling feat. On this recording, Parker, through an astonishing performance, displays tenderness, anxiety, agitation, and much more in thoroughly compelling ways. Parker's unique styling emphasizes arco as opposed to pizzicato playing, though not to the exclusion of the latter. He takes the acoustic bass to new heights through original technique employing the full range of the bass. The overwhelmingly unrelenting intensity and creative passion, combined with unmitigated energy, make this an indispensable document. Well recorded, and illustrated with original color prints, this album is the result of a beautiful project that has much to offer the serious and open listener."-Steve Loewy, All Music