Paul Lichty is a composer, arranger, trombonist, bandleader, and educator from Hudson, IA. When he is not working as a musician and arranger aboard the Crystal Symphony, he is the leader of two professional jazz ensembles, the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra and the Paul Lichty Sextet, both of which perform his compositions and arrangements exclusively. His music has been described by his colleagues and teachers as sonic landscapes that are "high energy, aggressive, and full of heart, finding the extremely fine line between calm and chaos... his music is truly a reflection of himself." Paul's music makes the performers and audience feel at home and in new territory simultaneously, whether it be with the colors and depth of a large orchestra or the complexity and intimacy of the small jazz ensemble. Paul cites Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Wheeler, Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, and Darcy James Argue as his greatest compositional influences.
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A Des Moines native, versatile trumpeter Dave Rezek has been a much sought-after private teacher, clinician, festival adjudicator, front/sideman, and guest artist with colleges and high schools. He has been busy with many creative projects, including his own original-music septet Dave Rezek’s Alpha State Agents, the Des Moines Big Band, the Max Wellman Big Band & Quintet, 'Ceptet, the Bryan Schumacker Quintet, the Tony Valdez Large Band, and Mike Conrad's Colossus Central Big Band. He has also collaborated and performed with numerous other top area artists including John Kizilarmut, Karl McComas-Reichl, Chris Merz, Jason Danielson, Damani Phillips, Mitch Towne, Bob Washut, Sam Salomone, Susie Miget, Jim Oatts, Chris Steinke, Scott Barnum, and Orquesta Alto Maiz, and he has performed in show orchestras at both the Civic Center and Des Moines Playhouse.
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Reeds:
Gabe Scheid
Sam Bills
Nolan Schroeder
Simon Harding
Lexi Forstrum
Trumpets:
Colton Whetstone
Antonio Garza
Rishi Kolusu
Kyle Marlin
Trombones:
Anthony Williams
Brian Crew
Tom Mortenson
Tom Rauch
Rhythm:
Elvis Philips, guitar
Jarrett Purdy, piano
Joel Conrad, bass
Christopher Jensen, drums
With special guest Erin Maltby, vocals