This profile was PIMPED at ..
Steve Parry And The Big Band From Hell, based in the north of England, was formed as a college project back in 1994 as a vehicle for trumpet player Steve Parry to play drums in a big band. After disbanding in 1996 (when Steve got a 6 month tour with the Official Tribute To The Blues Brothers that lasted 9 years and earned him the post of musical director after 5 months...) the band reformed again in 2004 at the request of 2 former band members (trombonist Kevin Holbrough and trumpeter Bryan Davis).The Big Band From Hell has an aggressive take on jazz and Steve's purpose for the band is to make it musically interesting as well as having that feelgood factor that non-musicians will understand. The music consists of compositions/arrangements by Steve as well as charts from the library of Buddy Rich. The outcome of all this is a band with all the energy and fire of a rock 'n' roll gig but with some great, sophisticated harmonies and ensemble playing.
The band has some teriffic soloists too. Among the people to have played with the band are some of the best musicians in the north of England; Mark Chandler (trp), Simon Nixon (trp), Kevin Holbrough (tbn), Joel Purnell (alto), Jim Corry (alto), Tony Burkill (tnr), Rod Mason (tnr), Paul Corry (bar).
The tracks you are listening to now are a combination of Steve's first release on the GLP label (It All Starts Here and Big Mama), unmastered pre-release tracks from the forthcoming debut album 'The Organ Quintet Recordings' and a live recording of the Big Band From Hell. On all tracks (with the exception of the live recording) all instruments are played by Steve Parry.
The Big Band From Hell have up-coming gigs and you'll be able to find out where & when right here as soon as details become available.
Single "It All Starts Here" now available on iTunes
..
Get this video and more at MySpace.com