Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra
"Dark Soul"
Album information
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)
Composer/arranger/conductor: Paul Lichty
Engineering: Tom Barry
Mixed and mastered: Dave Lisik
Album artwork: Clayton Ryan
Self-released/produced
Genre: Contemporary big band/jazz
Influences: Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Wheeler, Charles Mingus, Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Dave Douglas, Darcy James Argue
Band Bio
The Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra (PLJO) is an 18-piece large jazz ensemble that performs Paul’s original compositions and arrangements exclusively. 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, 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.
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 special Halloween show at Noce as well as an upcoming collaboration with the band Wave Cage (January 11, 2025).
In addition to writing for PLJO, Paul is an active freelance composer, arranger, and trombonist. He is a member of the brass band BYOBrass and performs regularly with the Max Wellman Big Band, NOLA Jazz Band, BONORAMA, and the Des Moines Big Band. Almost every ensemble that he performs with regularly performs his compositions or arrangements. Paul has arranged music for contemporary jazz giants Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ben Wendel in addition to contributing music for Michael Conrad’s new project, the Iowa Jazz Composer’s Orchestra, an elite ensemble that performs works by Iowa composers. As music director for the band BYOBrass, Paul regularly contributes compositions and arrangements which have helped develop and refine the band’s unique approach to the brass band medium. Other recent collaborations/commissions include works for Max Wellman, Heath Alan, Jeff Kane (NOLA Jazz Band), Dr. Robert Washut (UNI Jazz Panthers), Logan Vander Wiel (Marion High School), Lucas Petersen (Purdue University and Winterset High School), and Brad Jensen (Hudson High School). In 2024, Paul was recipient of the CJC Des Moines Hall of Fame "Next Generation" award which recognizes an up-and-coming musician who has made an impact on the music scene in Des Moines.
Live performances of PLJO can be found at this Youtube playlist.
For more information, visit:
Paul’s full bio
