Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra
"Dark Soul"
Album information
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Personnel:
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Saxes/reeds: Gabe Scheid, Sam Bills, Nolan Schroeder, Simon Harding, Thomas Sparks
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Trumpets: Colton Whetstone, Antonio Garza, Rishi Kolusu, Kyle Marlin
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Trombones: Brian Crew, Michael Conrad, Collin Krukow, Tom Rauch
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Rhythm: Elvis Phillips (guitar), Jarrett Purdy (piano/rhodes), Bridget Shoemaker (bass), Christopher Jensen (drums)
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Special guests: Dave Rezek (trumpet), Ryan Garmoe (trumpet), Blake Shaw (bass), Rachel Bearinger (vocals), Donovan Klutho (tuba)
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Composer/arranger/conductor: Paul Lichty
Engineering: Tom Barry
Mixed and mastered: Dave Lisik
Album artwork: Clayton Ryan
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Self-released/produced
Genre: Contemporary big band/jazz
Influences: Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Wheeler, Charles Mingus, Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Dave Douglas, Darcy James Argue
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Band Bio
The Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra (PLJO) is an 17-piece large jazz ensemble that consists of Iowa's finest jazz musicians performs performing Paul's arrangements and original compositions. Formed in 2017, the band has performed in various venues across the state, frequently selling out shows at Noce since Paul relocated to Des Moines in 2020. Notable musicians that have been featured in the band include UNI faculty Christopher Merz, Michael Conrad, and Anthony Williams; Iowa City’s Blake Shaw, Nolan Schroeder, Rich Medd, Jarrett Purdy, Chris Jensen, Marvin Truong, and Carson Parker; and Des Moines’ Dave Rezek, Jackson Churchill, Antonio Garza, Gabe Scheid, Alayna Ringsby, and Rishi Kolusu.
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Since his first composition lessons with Chris Merz and Bob Washut back in 2014, Paul has developed a unique and personal approach at composing for large ensembles. His voice is on full display in PLJO's debut album, "Dark Soul, recorded June of 2019. This record, completely crowdfunded with financial support from over 60 donors, includes seven original compositions and one arrangement of Paul’s. The charts from “Dark Soul” are inspired by various life experiences, ranging from the shenanigans of a college house party, the bewilderment of watching the 2016 presidential debates, and his adventures on various dating apps. “Dark Soul” can be heard on all streaming platforms and available for purchase on Bandcamp.
In addition to recording "Dark Soul", the band's recent highlights include a main stage performance at Capital City PrideFest (Des Moines) with Domita Sanchez and Dakota Andersen, collaboration shows with Wave Cage and Annie Kemble, and a yearly Halloween show at Noce.
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Live performances of PLJO can be found at this Youtube playlist.
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-Selected video links:
"No Them (Only Us)" w/ Wave Cage + Vintage Liquid Projections @ The James Theater
"Abracadabra" @ Capital City Pride
"We Will Know (Omar Thomas)" @ Capital City Pride w/ Dakota Andersen
"Portrait" and "Level Up" w/ Wave Cage @ Noce
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For more information, visit:
Paul’s full bio YouTube channel Instagram Facebook
