Been a busy year, including adding another addition to our ever growing family, our second daughter Isabella. Been doing some writing for my big band and the BP Express, gearing up toward recording them both within the year. I've been developing my home studio in my basement, in an effort to do some of my recording work from home perhaps. The Color Purple has been my main place of employment since December of 2015, and it's constantly a treat for me to go into this show and play nearly every night, if I'm not elsewhere, and work with the incredible talent both in the orchestra, and onstage. Such great music.....definitely one of the best broadway experiences I've had to date. Lots of outside projects with colleagues, and add to that the Applied Jazz Trumpet teaching position at Long Island University CW Post Campus, and things can get hectic.
I'm going back into the studio to mix and master the "original" recording of the BP Express, dating back to 2007. I'm very excited about this, as I've been sitting on this recording for some time. It also features the late Dennis Irwin on bass, and the great Luisito Quintero on percussion. Many more standards in this session, but a few originals as well. Look for thes singles to be released in early spring of 2017.
Brian Pareschi and The BP Express has been received very well, and we have been working toward more performances in 2017, including a few festivals.
I am also currently a member of the BMI Jazz Composer's Workshop this year, and am enjoying the ability to stretch and work on new material that is somewhat experimental.
Reviews for Brian Pareschi and the BP Express are in! And we're getting a lot of airplay nationally, climbing the JAZZWEEK charts.
"For his debut recording as leader, New York-based trumpeter / composer / arranger Brian Pareschi has assembled an octet, named it the BP Express and charged it with breathing life into seven of his original compositions and dazzling arrangements"......
"The music is eloquent and engaging"....
"Besides playing tasteful trumpet, Pareschi writes well, whether riffing on bop-linked themes or summoning the image of a fast-moving train, as on BP Express.....what sets the BP Express apart from many other groups its size are Pareschi's splendid charts, every one of which exudes an irresistible charm and is well worth hearing and appreciating more than once. In its initial trip from the station, Pareschi's BP Express is definitely on the right track."
Jack Bowers - All About Jazz -
"What is it about Rochester, NY and stellar Italian trumpet players? A smoking, first call side man that’s finally stepping out in his own, this bigish band date has a distinctly New York flavor that puts you right on 52nd Street when killer sounds were pouring out of every club door. Armed with undeniable chops, Pareschi delivers straight ahead jazz that cooks and is all fire with no smoke. Great sounds for jazz ears looking for that new kick."
Chris Spector - Midwest Record -
Brian Pareschi & The BP Express.
Does anyone out there remember the name Marty Paich? He was a West Coast pianist who assembled a ninepiece little big band and excelled at writing exclusively for his talented players. They also dabbled in established standards. Well, 3000 miles away in New York, trumpet player extraordinaire Brian Pareschi has latched onto that concept with his own octet/nonet. Most of the tunes are his original compositions, and like Paich did decades ago, Pareschi writes distinctive flowing melodies and turns over very generous solo space to his skilled colleagues. As for Pareschi himself, his tone can move from fiery to subtle and serene. But the common thread is his outstanding control and depth at any tempo. Incidentally, the standards here are “I Believe in You” and “I Cover the Waterfront.” They’re very different from each other, that’s for sure. But it’s nice to reacquaint with a couple of underdone, well-written tunes. All told, this is a very impressive CD which, in a just musical world, would sell a zillion copies!
George Fendel- Jazz Society of Oregon-
This is the premiere release from trumpeter Pareschi with his octet/nonet BP Express. Pareschi is a well-known player, sideman, composer and arranger, and sells his own sheet music and scores on his Web site. This nine-track release is efficient and sharp as a razor. The program is a mixed bag of hard-bop, Latin, African and two or three other styles, along with standards like “I Cover the Waterfront.” Pareschi’s full, sometimes crooning tone may make you think of Clifford Brown or Woody Shaw. Pareschi is obviously taking his new group out for a spin—looks like a successful maiden voyage.
- Bruce Collier-The Beachcomber-
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