Rob Parton's JAZZTECH Big Band

The Count Is In! is strictly a showcase for theband. The 12 cuts cover a broad range of styles and demonstrate the band'sversatile and exciting playing. Almost every member of the group has solosthat display a broad spectrum of musical ideas.
Despite occasional rumblings that big band music is a dying art, Partontries to reverse the tide. He has a strong commitment to education, servingas chairman at Roosevelt University and conducting masterclasses throughoutChicago. In addition, many of the band's arrangements are available throughJazztech Music. These recordings serve to whet the appetite of seriousbig band connoisseurs who are hungry for a live performance, something not to be missed on that next trip to Chicago.

Jazzgram (Jazz Institute of Chicago), February 1994. Trumpeter Rob Parton has carefully crafted the Jazztech band to suit his own musicalaesthetic
(flat-out swinging), and it does so with gusto from the first fleet notes of "Seems Like Old Times" to the last roaring crescendoof John Coltrane's classic "Giant Steps." Whatever the tempo -- up, medium, or ballad -- Parton's close-knitcrew slips comfortably into the driver's seat, playing with verve and precisionon a variety of material from Martin's marvelous evocation of the Basieband at its power-punching best to such time-tested standards as "OverThe Rainbow," "Blue Skies," "Prelude to a Kiss,"and "Summertime," each of which has been beautifully dressed in a brand new musical wardrobe by chief arranger Brad Morey.

For sheer big band excitement and power, it would be hard to surpassTony Garcia's infectious "I Like Bebop," Jim Martin's well-craftedarrangements of "Dear Old Stockholm" and Sonny Rollins' "Doxy,"Larry Harris' off-to-the-races treatment of "Old Times," and,of course, those swiftly moving "Giant Steps," arranged for theband by Scott Hall.

As for soloists -- from altos Bob Frankich and Ian Nevins to tenorsMark Colby (who also has a shimmering soprano solo on "To Love andBe Loved") and Greg Mostovoy, trombonists Jim Martin, Jack Schmidt,and Brian Jacobi, trumpet/flugelhornists Mike McGrath, Al Hood, and Steve Smyth, drummer Bob Rummage, and pianist Larry Harris (another of the disc'smany pleasant surprises) -- everyone is given ample space to stretch out,and all are in championship form. Oh, we almost overlooked one: Parton himself who, besides playing flawless lead trumpet, contributes exquisitesolos (trumpet and/or flugelhorn) on "Over The Rainbow," "BlueSkies," and "Prelude to a Kiss."

If you've been looking for a comment that begins "however"or "on the other hand" you won't find it here. There are no weaklinks in this chain. The Jazztech Big Band is quite simply awesome -- oneof the finest ensembles one could wish to hear, and this disc catches thegroup at the top of its game. Listen for yourself. While you're at it,check out the band's first release, Jazztech Big Band, also on Sea Breeze,with guest soloist Conte Condoli. You won't be disappoinnted.

Jack Bowers (Cadence Magazine)

The Chicago Tribune has called the JAZZTECH Big Band "one of the best big bands in the country". The Chicago Sun Times characterizes the band with "hard hitting ensemble brightly crafted harmonies and expansive solos". Cadence Magazine reviews the JAZZTECH Big Band as "a band with no discernible weaknesses, one that fairly bristles with vitality and enthusiasm, that reduces even the most formidable charts and demanding unison passages to ho-hum routine".

You can hear Rob Parton's JAZZTECH Big Band regularly at their monthly home FitzGerald's located in Berwyn.

Performance Schedule

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Additional CD's available

Fascinatin Rhythm

What Are We Here For?

The Count Is In!

Rob Parton's JAZZTECH Big Band with Conte Candoli

Press-Reviews