Jason Parra-Trumpet Player-Composer-Vocalist

I play these instruments...

Bb Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Piano

I perform...

Jazz Combo, Contemporary Jazz

Playing Level:

Pro

My preferred equipment:

Modified/Custom Horn, Superhorn

Personal trumpet aspiration:

What is an aspiration, a ghost? Pain relief? Breathing aid? Ah yes...A Laxative.

About Me:

Jason Parra-
-I didn't start playing trumpet until my 1st year in high school (in Boise, Id), I guess I was lucky because the instrument just seemed natural from the beginning. By my senior year I had done all the All State/Northwest, won Jazz competitions etc and actually made the McDonald's All American High School Jazz Band. I went to school (3 Universities), graduated, all the while taking any gig that came my way. I began forming my own groups, booking gigs, playing clubs, composing, getting studio and road work as well. I moved around a lot, from Seattle to New York City; I started getting into computers, digital audio, Finale/Sib, recording, vocal studies...
I caught a nice break and was asked to join the L.A. Accelerators: the band for Bruce Willis, we played a lot of large venues, House of Blues etc; I networked every chance I could and from then on always had lots of work. I was the typical trumpet mercenary; I had no shame and played any gig that paid. One week included Jackpot, NV backing up "Jim Neighbors with Phillis Diller" and ending up two thousand miles away with Ray Charles. I have a lot of "resume gigs" but some favorites are:
Natalie Cole, Red Rodney, Lew Solaff, Randy Brecker, The Ray Charles Orchestra, Lead with Arturo Sandoval, Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl, Louie Bellson, The James Brown Band (James never knew I was in the group-the road manager told him that me and a few other cats were roadies). Ernie Watts, Carl Fontana, Bob Mintzer, Bill Watrous, Chuck Mangione, Gary Burton, Gene Harris and anytime I play with my dad.....
I did the married thing for a while and have two great, awesome, incredibly talented kids. I got the quintessential "it's me or the trumpet" ultimatum.................I'm still playing the trumpet ;) I love playing, teaching, writing and can't believe how much the trumpet has given to me (it even looks out for my love life ;)- I am currently chillin out-working for Apple Inc part time while finishing finishing my second solo release, once it is out I will hit the road again.
If you made it this far, you should be practicing!!!! Just kidding...
Peace, Jason Parra

Heroes:

Dr. Julian Parra-Miles Davis-John F King

Hope to find___________ in Trumpet City...

Always looking to find other players to learn from, exchange ideas, share my experience, network/collaborate with, buy-sell-trade equipment etc

Check out my Website:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/jasonparra