Maceo Parker, the maestro of funky saxophone, spent much of his career as a high-profile sideman. On stage, he shared the spotlight with James Brown, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and Prince.

In the studio, Parker’s solos can be heard in Brown’s classic soul hits “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Sex Machine” and “Cold Sweat.” His other collaborators include Ani DiFranco, Ray Charles, James Taylor, De La Soul, Dave Matthews Band, Keith Richards, Bryan Ferry, Living...