tag:drewparalic.com,2005:/blogs/news-blog?p=2News/Blog2023-10-16T10:56:02-04:00Drew Paralic Jazz Composerfalsetag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074802020-01-05T04:57:05-05:002020-01-05T10:17:32-05:00Part 2 recording session 1/13!
<p>4 new originals--quintet (reeds, trombone, piano, drums and bass) setting. I am very excited (and anxious to move on with my piano lessons). Road mapping/arranging outlines today...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074792019-11-13T02:21:30-05:002020-01-05T10:17:32-05:00First part recorded! Beautiful--chamber jazz!
<p>Spent the day at Bennett's Wash & Dry Recording Studio (Kensington Bklyn) with 4 superb musicians and 4 of my tunes. On piano: Hyuna Park; on violin: Gabe Terracciano; on bass: Elias Bailey; on reeds (flute, tenor sax & clarinet): Mike McGinnis. The next session, mid January, will be a jazz quintet (with 4 more originals of mine): bass, drums, piano, trombone and reeds. Looking forward; should have a cd ready by February...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074782019-09-26T04:40:26-04:002020-01-05T10:17:32-05:00New Album Coming Soon!
<p>I am doing it as a 60th birthday gift to myself. It will be titled "Mary's Place": Mary being my mom. Several tunes were inspired by her/and her last years, which included staying in a nursing home at the very end. Mike McGinnis is on board again! He is working on getting the other players--more to come on that. And, once again, Bennett Paster (also a very fine jazz pianist) will host us in his wonderful recording studio in Kensington, Bklyn. And Stan Magnan is down again to design the cd sleeve...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074772019-03-10T13:59:15-04:002020-01-05T10:17:32-05:00Swing University
<p>I started taking a course at Jazz At Lincoln Center on the history of jazz piano. Helen Sung is the instructor! (There is a 7' Steinway there for her to demonstrate at times too.) We are up to the cool period--roughly late 1940s-through the 1950s and beyond. Billy Taylor wrote a wonderful history of jazz piano book, entitled "Jazz Piano"...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074762019-03-10T13:41:19-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Recording Project Coming Soon
<p>Since my mom passed away (10/2016<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>), I have been spending more time taking piano lessons/practicing/listening. I have been composing some over the years, but spent more energy trying to increase my technique. (Although I am ok, I will always hire players far better than me when I record my stuff.) But being a jazz pianist, and attempting to live up to that moniker, goes hand-in-hand with composing and arranging. Like listening to the music--BTW, I pledged to WBGO the other day! Only 4 of every 100 listeners support one of the greatest stations around--I knew the new knowledge I am acquiring would get into my soul and my music eventually. And it does just that! Maybe more so with arranging ideas at this point. So, I am piecing together a recording project--my fifth album, which will hopefully happen this year.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074752019-03-10T13:20:06-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Several Nights at Mezzrow
<p>What a charming venue! A great Steinway too! Recently, I saw Mike LeDonne (piano), John Webber (bass), and Joe Farnsworth (drums). Usually there is no drummer at Mezzrow--guess it depends on neighbors. Any way they were hot! Buster Williams (bass) with Brandon McCune (piano) was last night. Also beautiful! Maybe more ruminative--no drums? The incredible pianist Helen Sung is there next week...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074742018-09-17T14:58:15-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00My Nights at:
<p>BAR 55</p>
<p><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kendra Shank led a quartet with one of my favorite musicians on drums, Matt Wilson. I spoke with him and talked of his melodic playing, and the playing of Vinnie Sperrazza, who I was lucky to have play on a bunch of my stuff. Matt also is a fan of Vinnie’s playing!<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></p>
<p><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CORNELIA STREET CAFE</p>
<p><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacob Sacks—the pianist, who along with Vinnie Sperrazza (drums), Mike McGinnis (multi-reeds), and Dave Ambrosio (bass)—drove down to Philly to perform a set of my music at a jazz fest in September of 2014, led a quintet at CSCafé Saturday night. It was an evening of avant- guard jazz music, all originals. Jacob is a very talented musician! *</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*Be sure to check my LINKS page for the musician's who played on my recordings websites*</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074732018-09-12T11:30:03-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00My night at Smoke
<p>My jazz club visitor partner, pianist James Newman, and I went to Smoke Jazz Club, one of our favorites. They featured a Charlie Parker celebration: Vincent Herring, alto sax, led a quintet featuring Gary Bartz, also alto—Bird’s instrument, Dave Karkowski, piano, Carl Allen, drums, and a bass player who’s name escapes me now—a Japanese cat I believe. They were way hot!! And the food was delicious—fried calamari and fish tacos. I may go to Cornelia Street Café this weekend: pianist Jacob Sacks leads a quintet...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074722018-08-19T08:18:00-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00My night at Mezzrow
<p>On Thursday evening, I was set to see the legendary Shelia Jordan (almost 90 now!). Unfortunately, she called in sick, but she asked Kendra Shank to fill in. At first I was disappointed, but wanted to hear some live jazz, so after snacking at Otto's Tacos--just around the corner on 7th ave so.--my friend and I joined some more friends and went to the club. Kendra performed with the same bassist and pianist as Shelia was to play with: Cameron Brown and Albeto Piribi, respectively. It was fantastic. Kendra had that bee-bop swing thing going on, as did the other musicians. "Blue Monk", and Abby Lincoln's "Throw It Away" were two of the highlights in a solid set. Afterwards I spoke with Kendra for 5-10 min--we bonded, and exchanged cards. She is steeped in the tradition and worked/studied with many jazz greats including Abby, Shelia, Jay Clayton, Shirley Horn and the great drummer, Matt Wilson. I hope to get another chance to see Shelia though...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074712018-05-16T13:32:09-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00My night at Dizzy's
<p>The Glenn Zaleski Trio was swingin' last night at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, my favorite jazz club in NYC--part of Lincoln Center Jazz: the views are spectacular, the music always first rate, and the food...a New Orlean's vibe!</p>
<p>Prior to his gig, I asked Glenn about walking bass (left hand when executed on piano). He said that Dave McKenna was the best at this, most consistent. Dave was a local Boston-based piano player who actually didn't think of himself as a jazz pianist. Many would and do disagree! I am sure you can find some of his recordings on spotify, deezer, whatnot. (Where you can find mine too, you know!)</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074702018-05-08T14:45:31-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Glenn Zaleski Trio
<p>My friend, and a sometime piano teacher, is headlining at Dizzy's next Tuesday! Here are some of his influences for jazz in particular: Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch, Sullivan Fortner, Bud Powell, Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Wynton Kelly. He travels all over the world playing that damn jazz music--and he is only 30! The hardest working man in jazz. Check out his website: glennzaleski.com</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074692018-02-14T14:20:55-05:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00They tell you to post often...
<p>But it has been almost a year since my last recordings. Although I haven't recorded any music lately, I have been active with piano lessons and going fairly often to jazz clubs. In the past year, among many others, I have seen Freddy Cole, René Marie, Evan Christopher, Glenn Zaleski (a piano teacher I had the pleasure to study with), Ahud Asherie, Wycliff Gordon, Vinnie Sperrazza, Mike McGinnis, Jacob Sacks, Elias Bailey (who plays with Freddy and René), James Newman, Dave Ambrosio, Janet Segal and Barry Harris. Tomorrow I am treating myself (with James Newman, who shares my birthday--1/28) to Birdland to see Catherine Russell! Jambalaya and a Brooklyn Lager! New York, I love you!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074682017-03-15T08:00:14-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00My new singles...
<p>...are now on my LISTEN page for your enjoyment. I will eventually get them on iTunes & Spotify.</p>
<p>Very proud!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074672017-03-11T07:09:44-05:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Two New Recordings!
<p> </p>
<p>So, this past Thursday, I went into Bennett Paster's fine studio in Kensington (Bklyn) with David Del Tredici and James Newman. Everyone is very happy with the outcomes! Bennett just emailed me:</p>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Thanks, Drew! I thought everyone involved played your compositions with soul, emotion and spirit. The piano was sounding great, too. Give a listen and let me know what you think. Thanks again."</div>
<p>I need a break from music for another day, but will listen and make them available as singles on CD Bay+ (for downloads) and Spotify+ (for streaming), all with some more cool artwork by my good friend Stan Magnan.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074662017-02-25T23:53:07-05:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Two piano solo recordings
<p>In two weeks, I head into the studio with two wonderful pianists--one jazz, one classical. The classical piece is a re-recording of my "Prélude d'Ennui", performed and interpreted by the world renowned classical composer David Del Tredici! (He has a birthday in a few weeks--he'll be 80! There is a concert/celebration for him at Joe's Pub in NYC on March 13 at 7PM.) The second piece is a new blues called "Did You Put The Lights On" (about my mother aging--she passed away this past October at 95!) performed and interpreted by my good friend, James Newman. (He performed three solo recordings for me in the past: Down In Soho 2003, Drew's Blues, and Steps.) Both of these new recordings will be available as downloadable singles.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074652016-09-17T03:22:46-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00New Release
<p>It is actually a compilation of my original blues recordings entitled DREW BLUE:</p>
<div style="font-family: arial;"><a style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/drewblue" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/drewblue</a></div>
<div style="font-family: arial;"></div>
<div style="font-family: arial;">"There are happy blues, and there are sad blues"--Billie Holiday, 1957's The Real Sound of Jazz--a recording of jazz all stars for the Smithsonian Institution. Words for any musician to live by...</div>
<p>The track list is as follows--all can be heard on my LISTEN page:</p>
<p>1. At Its Roots</p>
<p>2. Alternative Blues</p>
<p>3. Down In Soho</p>
<p>4. Blue Music Waltz--performed by David Pearl, my great piano teacher</p>
<p>5. Too Little, Too Late</p>
<p>6. The Sweetest Crime</p>
<p>7. Drew's Blues</p>
<p>8. Roll With It, Baby (Mill Basin Blues)</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074642016-08-27T14:00:45-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00A second compilation coming September first!
<p>Entitled DREW BLUE, it showcases almost all my blues tunes recorded since 2001. We are talking 20-25 musicians: 6 quartet settings and two solo piano realizations. One of the quartet pieces, "The Sweetest Crime" is actually a ballad (led by the bass clarinet of Mike McGinnis) on which I tacked a 12-bar blues riff at 2x the tempo to both expand the piece and showcase the incredible players I have been lucky to record. More info when CDBaby puts it up for sale.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/428388/5216c7b092d1cec87b315b495d4aba38411d4f28/original/drew-blue-front.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Drew_Blue_Front.jpg" /></p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074632016-03-10T13:22:34-05:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Paralic streaming on Spotify!
<p>Just plug in my name on Spotify's search engine. A big f*****g deal, baby!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074622016-02-13T15:06:48-05:002021-08-23T21:33:18-04:00"Lyrics Without Words"--my digital only compilation CD released on Filter Label!
<p>Apart from more iTunes, Amazon and youtube stuff for my fans, I am now on Spotify and Pandora too! Just type "paralic" in the search box for whatever digital site you fancy...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074612016-02-07T04:00:00-05:002023-10-16T10:56:02-04:00"Lyrics Without Words" compilation CD to drop 2/12/16!<p>A big validation of my music, via Filter Label's downloadable CD--and Spotify & Pandora bound system, will be made available this coming Friday. They enjoyed my music so much, they let me choose the music, order the tracks and title the release! Track list as follows: </p>
<p>1. Down In Soho (from "Too Little, Too Late")</p>
<p>2. Sweet Standard (from "Roll With It, Baby")</p>
<p>3. When Midnight Rolls Around (from "RWI,B")</p>
<p>4. The Sweetest Crime (from "RWI,B")</p>
<p>5. Too Much Joyce (from "RWI,B")</p>
<p>6. Twilight At Noon (from "RWI,B")</p>
<p>7. Drew's Blues (from "RWI,B")</p>
<p>8. Finally 2001 (from "Wintertime Sky")</p>
<p>9. (On the Occasion of) Wet Snow (from "Blue Passion")</p>
<p>10. The Arrival (from "RWI,B")</p>
<p>11. Prélude d'Ennui (from "RWI,B")*</p>
<p>*A solo piano composition, my only recorded classical piece -- think Satie Meets Gershwin -- is the one used by the renowned classical composer, David Del Tredici, as a basis for his successful composition, "Gloss"*</p>Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074602016-01-09T12:29:44-05:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00David Del Tredici premiere of a piece inspired by Drew Paralic's "Prélude d'Ennui"
<p>As part of the Keyed-up Music Project, on 2/6 (Saturday@8PM) at the Tenri Cultural Institute, the pianist Marc Peloquin will perform Del Tredici's "Late In The Game", a trilogy of piano pieces of his, the second--"Gloss"-- being a piece using my "Prélude d'Ennui" as a basis. Del Tredici is a Pulitzer Prize winning composer, and former OMA winner. At almost 80, he is constantly working. I find his current period to be his most melodic...anyway, he is a great inspiration. </p>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">Here are a few links:</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">David Del Tredici: <a style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" href="http://www.daviddeltredici.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">www.daviddeltredici.com</a>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">Marc Peloquin: <a style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" href="http://www.marcpeloquin.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">www.marcpeloquin.com</a>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">
Tenri Cultural Institute: <a style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" href="http://keyedupmusicproject.com/?ref=DDT" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://keyedupmusicproject.com/?ref=DDT</a>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><br></div>
<div style="font-family: arial;">Tickets are $16 on in advance, $20 at the door; Tenri is located at 43A W13 NYC (across from Quad Cinema)</div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074592015-11-30T12:20:07-05:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Compilation CD set for February 2016 release
<p>Through Music Xray -- a site where musicians submit work for various opportunities (e.g.: record labels, radio stations, music supervisors) -- I was contacted by a European record label, Filter Label. They were very impressed with my music, both quality and quantity, and offered to distribute a digital only compilation of my music. It will be titled: "Lyrics Without Words: Music of Drew Paralic" and consist of eleven tracks of mine culled from my 4 independently released CDs. I will pass along more information and links as soon as I can. Very exciting, I must say!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074582015-04-22T02:20:27-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00Piano Lessons
<p>I signed up for piano lessons at my old "alma mater" Turtle Bay Music School, with a great jazz pianist and teacher Bob Rodriguez ( www.bobrodriguez.com ). First time studying piano/music in 25 years! Loving it! Dust off the metronome Drew--actually, there's an app for that...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074572014-10-05T15:51:53-04:002020-01-05T10:17:31-05:00OutBeat Jazz Festval
<p>Mike McGinnis' Splang-a-lang Trio+1 were phenomenal. (Splang-a-lang is a ride cymbal pattern from the swing era.) All 4 musicians came to Philly to swing! They are: Mike (reeds), Vinnie Sperrazza (drums), Dave Ambrosio (bass), and Jacob sacks (piano). Visit my LINKS page for their various websites.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074562014-09-13T02:14:38-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Jazz Festival Thoughts
<p style="text-align: left;">Well, I am getting ready for Philadelphia! For all my musical life, I have had to explain that I am not a performer. It is tiring! Let's face it: jazz is a performers art. My goal is, and always has been, to write tunes for jazz players, drawing from my experiences with jazz workshops (I do play some piano) and The Real Book. And listening, which is probably 75% of being a convincing musician--especially in jazz. (Although jazz is pretty much all I do musically--and only classic jazz at that--I listen to various forms of music as I partially listed on my INFLUENCES page. Right now, Stevie is playing on my mac). I have been greatly humbled by having been chosen to have some of my music performed in this coming festival of such heavy hitters by such heavy hitters.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074552014-07-28T09:45:47-04:002022-03-11T02:54:56-05:00More Licensing
<p>A recording of mine was chosen by The Audio Plugz Company-- http://theaudioplugz.webs.com --to add to their catalog for TV/Film Producers who need original, well recorded music. The piece is "When Midnight Rolls Around" from my ROLL WITH IT, BABY cd.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074542014-07-28T09:42:29-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Jazz Festival -- Save The Date
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">Recently, I was invited to have some of my music performed at the first Queer Jazz Festival this Sept 18-21 in Philadelphia — <a href="http://outbeatjazzfest.com" data-imported="1"><span style="letter-spacing:0px">http://outbeatjazzfest.com</span></a> ; naturally, I recommended Mike McGinnis to form the quartet—which is to consist of the players on my last few CDs. His quartet, Mike McGinnnis' Splang-a-lang Trio+1, will have a 45 min set at Union Transfer on the afternoon of 9/21. I am sure they will swing like no tomorrow!</span></p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074532014-04-14T14:15:47-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Another Licensing Opportunity
<p>The key word is "opportunity"--in other words "don't quit your day job". But, nevertheless, it is exciting and encouraging for me to write and record more tunes. The tune is "Steps" (my 2010 quartet version--clarinet, piano, bass & drums) and here is the direct link:http://pop-upmusic.com/music-library/jazz/ The company is Pop-UpMusic Ltd. </p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074522014-01-11T14:18:32-05:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Ambient Music
<p>A film producer (yet another tuning client of mine!) has used two of my recordings from BLUE PASSION--"Alternative Blues" and "Wintertime Sky" in a new romantic comedy entitled "The Man On Her Mind", written and directed by Alan Hruska. The usage is only about 1/2 minute of my recordings, but sometimes it just takes a dollar and a dream...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074512014-01-05T11:14:54-05:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Mike McGinnis
<p>A musician -- www.mikemcginnis.com -- who I have been lucky enough to be utilizing for over 10 years now released a new album back in October that was voted one of the top ten jazz albums of 2013 by the Village Voice! The album is a recording of his 10 piece band entitled "Road Trip", and harkens back to the Octet days of Dave Brubeck. (Like me, Mike is very influenced by the great alto sax player known for his work with Brubeck, Paul Desmond.) Along with Downbeat, The New York Times, et. al., I highly recommend this recording! BTW, the drummer on this stellar recording is also a great musician who I have also employed -- www.vinniesperrazza.org</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074502013-09-04T13:44:56-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Internet Radio Interview
<p>About a month ago, I was interviewed by Len Rogers on www.rainbowworldradio.com. When you go to his site, you can see pictures of all the artists he has interviewed over the years. Just click on the LISTEN TO THIS SHOW link. My interview should be up for at least two weeks...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074492013-08-08T02:34:29-04:002022-05-10T05:12:18-04:00James Newman
<p>My friend and superb solo pianist (Drew's Blues, Down In Soho 2003, Steps), who is currently battling spinal stenosis, received a grant from both The Jazz Foundation and MusicCares -- check out the LINKS section to the left -- for that all allusive US healthcare, in part because he recorded on my albums! And because of the physical therapy he was privy to as a result, he is doing MUCH better...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074482013-07-19T05:14:16-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Paralic/Pollard Jazz Project
<p>My friend, John Raymond Pollard ( www.johnpollard.com ), who penned the lyrics to My Wintertime Sky, approached me with lyrics for four more of my recorded tunes. I have been having a lot of fun--in this awful NY summer, no less--revisiting these tunes. Arranging, new intros, and of course, editing. We have a date set for this recording in early November! And I was able to get all the same players (piano, bass, drums & reeds) and the wonderful Laura Kenyon ( www.laurakenyon.tv ) to sing! We will also record My Wintertime Sky again, but at an easy-swing tempo this time 'round...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074472012-10-13T13:45:24-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Ad in DownBeat's holiday issue
<p>Encouraged by about a dozen positive reviews (not including friends and family) of my latest CD, “Wintertime Tunes of Drew Paralic”, I am placing an ad in the Gift Guide section of the DownBeat holiday issue. It will be both in the print and on-line editions of this iconic jazz magazine, due out 11/20/12. In it are Diana Krall, Ron Carter, Esperanza Spalding, Wynton Marsalis, Joey DeFrancesco, Stanley Clarke & Trombone Shorty. James Carter is taking the Blinfold Test; truly a star-studded issue! (Here is the URL for the ad: http://drewparalic.com/publicfiles/Drew_Paralic-v1_7.pdf )</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074452012-08-18T02:42:14-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00David Del Tredici publishes "Gloss"
<p>On my last trip to tune David Del Tredici (DDT)'s piano--a 1927 Steinway & Sons wood-grained finish model 'L', for those interested in such things--I was presented, as a gift, with a hand written manuscript of the piece he wrote ("Gloss") based on my piece ("Prélude d'Ennui")! DDT also published my piece as a companion to his should the performer wish to present the two works side-by-side. Thank you, David!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074462012-08-18T00:50:31-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Jazz Promtion (update)
<p>My hiring of Jim Eigo is proving successful: I have already received about 1/2 dozen reviews of "Wintertime Tunes of Drew Paralic", all of which are positive. (The campaign goes on through September at least. I am hoping to capitalize on the Christmas themed song "My Wintertime Sky".) I will go through the reviews and post quotes on this site...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074442012-07-24T01:18:38-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Promotion of my "Wintertime Tunes of Drew Paralic" CD
<p>I have been fortunate to be able to hire (thank you, piano technology) Jim Eigo -- www.jazzpromoservices.com -- a very well respected jazz promoter with both national and international connections. Basically, I sent him 200 copies of my last CD and he sends them to his many contacts in the jazz world (radio stations, magazines, etc.) I realize the market for jazz is not huge, but, hey, ya never know!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074432012-07-17T02:44:08-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00My classical piano piece (update)
<p>The esteemed David Del Tredici has finished his re-working of my piece "Prélude d'Ennui". His title is GLOSS, and he sent it off to his publisher last week. There are many similarities when working with a classical composer who has a huge command over the piano, as when working with fine jazz musicians. Music is good!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074422012-03-09T13:24:12-05:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00My classical piano piece
<p>The final tune on ROLL WITH IT, BABY is a solo piano piece I wrote many years ago. It is a classical piece--"Prélude d'Ennui", performed beautifully by David Pearl. I recently had the chance to play it for the internationally celebrated composer, David Del Tredici, and he loved it and wrote an expanded piano arrangement of my piece! Hopefully I will have a recording to share soon. It is gorgeous! The Pulitzer-Prize winning composer David ( www.daviddeltredici.com ) is a virtuoso pianist as well as being known as the father of the Neo-Romantic movement in music.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074412011-12-17T04:01:50-05:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Tune of mine used on Canadian TV show
<p>My tune, "Finally", from my first CD, TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE, was used in a episode of "Montre Moi Ce Que Je Ne Vois Pas" (Show me what you see that I don't see) in 2011.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074402011-12-17T03:54:55-05:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00New EP-CD
<p>In mid November, I recorded 5 more tunes, one with lyrics by John Raymond Pollard and performed expertly by the Laura Kenyon Quintet--check my LINKS page for the musicians. This CD also includes last year's vocal track entitled "How Bill's Heart Sings", also performed by Laura Kenyon. (Lyrics by another good friend, Thomas Raniszewski.)</p>
<p>The CD, WINTERTIME TUNES OF DREW PARALIC, is now available on CD Baby, through this site, and as downloads on various digital services such as iTunes and Rhapsody.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074392011-11-13T04:11:01-05:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00New 6 tune collection will be available soon
<p style="margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: #666666; width: 360px; padding: 0px;">I am very pleased to report that my latest recording session went very well. All the musicians involved--all I had the pleasure to work with before--came to swing! (On this website -- www.drewparalic.com -- there are links to all the players and singer.)</p>
<p style="margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: #666666; width: 360px; padding: 0px;">The title of this 6 tune collection, including two vocals by Laura Kenyon, "Wintertime Tunes" should be available on CDBaby & iTunes soon, hopefully by Thanksgiving.<br style="line-height: 1.22em;"></p>
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Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074382011-10-23T04:51:50-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Next recording
<p>In early November, I am going into the studio to record 5 originals--one of which has lyrics by John Raymond Pollard and to be sung by Laura Kenyon--I have been honored to have recorded her before on my tune, "How Bill's Heart Sings". I am also very happy that the quartet will be made up of musicians I have used on my last cd, ROLL WITH IT, BABY.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074372011-08-02T04:52:11-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Web presences/promotion
<p>In addition to iTunes and the grandaddy, CD Baby--as well as this site-- I have established more places on the web where my music can be heard: A&R Select, ReverbNation, Stockmusic (My Hip Tunes), Jango, and the newest very useful site for listeners, Spotify. Please explore as much as you can...</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074362011-05-24T13:25:24-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Marketing
<p>I am lucky to have received mostly positive comments about my music. That and a token will get me on the subway! So my dilemma, as those of many other musicians: How do I make $ with my music?</p>
<p>I am investigating several additional ways to get my music more widely heard--which, hopefully, will translate into cash. While waiting to hear from some jazz promotional services as well as TAXI.com, I have placed two of my newer tunes from ROLL WITH IT, BABY--"Steps" & "How Bill's Heart Sings"--on Jango Airplay (internet radio recommended by the prestigious CD Baby). The link for my account with them is: <a style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.jango.com/music/Drew+Paralic" target="jango" data-imported="1">http://www.jango.com/music/Drew+Paralic</a></p>
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<p>If anyone out there has any ideas for a musician in my shoes, please drop me a line.</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074342011-04-14T14:41:39-04:002020-01-05T10:17:29-05:00Review of ROLL WITH IT, BABY in AllAboutJazz.com
<p>Recently, I received a positive review for my third CD by Nick DeRiso at the prestigious AllAboutJazz.com. (The direct link is: <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=79206" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=79206</a> )</p>
<p>I will reprint the review here in full as well:</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">Artist: Drew Paralic</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">Album: <em>Roll With It, Baby </em></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">Review by Nick DeRiso</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">Drew Paralic is that most unusual of things, a jazz pianist and composer who has released an album of originals played by others. Having taken up the instrument too late, he says, to approach the mastery of deeply appreciated influences like Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk, Paralic instead decided to focus on writing and arranging music. He authored or collaborated on each of the 12 tracks that make up Paralic’s new release <em>Roll With It, Baby</em>, and then assembled a pleasingly varied group of crack musicians for his Brooklyn-based sessions. The results, presented in a trio or quartet format for all but two piano-only pieces, are a straightforward swinging reminder of how small-group jazz can work as both a danceable distraction and absorbing art. A revolving group of players interprets the songs, with only bassist Elias Bailey and reed player Mike McGinnis as constants, and that variety adds another layer of musical complexity to the proceedings.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">Paralic begins with “Steps,” an interesting combination of drummer Vinnie Sperrazza’s polyrhythms and West Coast cool. Paralic’s work has plenty of open spaces for collaboration and, as McGinnis, Bailey and then pianist Art Hirahara solo, each adds his own shades and colors to Paralic’s work. McGinnis, on clarinet this time, is particularly impressive during a final sparring session with Sperrazza, who brilliantly bashes away as McGinnis makes a series of stabbing runs. “Sweet Standard” replaces pianist Hirahara with David Pearl, who plays with an intellectual authority that recalls Oscar Peterson. McGinnis switches to saxophone, adding a darker sensuality and then a furious, conversational tone as his solo unfolds. Even without the determined rhythms of Paralic’s initial track, and despite the softness implied in its name, “Sweet Standard” finds a way to sound forceful and compact.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">McGinnis’ broad, romantic sound is the centerpiece of “When Midnight Rolls Around,” a dimly lit ballad. Paralic is aiming for the nocturnal mysteries of Duke Ellington’s longer pieces, and he largely achieves it with additional assists from a more contemplative Pearl and the brilliant ruminations of Bailey. Paralic’s original quartet returns for “The Sweetest Crime,” a gently rolling ballad that catches a groove about a minute and a half in. Sperrazza comes alive first, hitting a hard high-hat reminiscent of Art Blakey in all of his hard-bop glory. Hirahara begins an insistent signature and, just like that, McGinnis’ searching melancholy transforms into a brightly swaying cry of joy. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">“How Bill’s Heart Sings,” with lyrics by Thomas Raniszewski, introduces vocalist Laura Kenyon. It’s one of the rare times that Paralic’s group stumbles. While she has an oaken style that recalls Rosemary Clooney, the track has a cabaret atmosphere that feels jarring.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">A pair of subsequent songs display the impressive range of Paralic’s reed player, and gets <em>Roll With It, Baby</em> back on track. “Twilight at Noon,” inspired by the lyrics of John Raymond Pollard, allows McGinnis to unfurl a warmly assertive sound on the saxophone. McGinnis follows that with a series of whispering entreaties on “Too Much Joyce,” coaxed perhaps to quieter places still by a delicate accompaniment from Hirahara that recalls Bill Evans. </p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">“Dizzying New People Color,” a touching ballad which builds off a poem by a late friend of Paralic’s, sounds at first something like “Color My World” by Chicago. Pearl follows McGinnis stride for stride, though, as this lonely narrative ultimately brightens into a celebration of life.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">There is a tangy R&B flavor to the next trio of cuts, beginning with “The Arrival” which has the sweeping, hard-bop attitude of Lee Morgan. That vibe slows but doesn’t change much on “Drew’s Blues,” a solo feature for pianist James Newman. Bailey charges out with a plucky verve on the title track, which is subtitled “Mill Basin Blues,” before he’s rejoined by McGinnis, this time bringing a saloon-style sizzle on the sax. Pearl then downshifts <em>Roll With It, Baby</em> on Paralic’s concluding “Prelude d’Ennui,” a shattering solo lament filled with hard-won truths and frayed emotions. It’s final, quiet reminder of how consistently intriguing Paralic’s thoughts are, even if they are coming out through someone else’s voice.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">Review by Nick DeRiso</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman;">Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composertag:drewparalic.com,2005:Post/61074352011-04-14T13:20:44-04:002020-01-05T10:17:30-05:00Musicians
<p>After working hard at my day job since Thanksgiving, and a swinging long weekend in New Orleans, I feel I can devote some time to getting my music heard. And spurred on by a couple of good reviews, I had to address how indebted to the many (about 25) professional jazz musicians I have used to record my three cds of originals. </p>
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<p>All the musicians I was happy to work with, are very professional. I could easily recommend each and every one. Because I was trained in jazz fairly extensively--as a pianist at The Jazz Mobile, privately with about 3 or 4 different teachers and in a Jazz Workshop under the direction of the GREAT bassist Milt Hinton--I am pretty capable of arranging my stuff for small ensembles. And the people I used to entrust my music to were always ready to pick up any slack, usually tempo changes within tunes. But no one imposed their ideas. Very professional! I have been extremely lucky with musicians!</p>
Drew Paralic Jazz Composer