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
Jason,
Yeah man, Bern was fun.....YouTube is really dangerous...I can spend hours there......3 and 4 without realizing the time.
BTW, I dig that You dig Miles so much!!
PeaceRV
Hey Jason, sounds terrific. Great story. And I like that you don't showcase your range all the time. Rare from someone who found the upper register early.
Yeah, a little trip-hop for sure; I had to take this beat into the "chopper" and work it up with one shots. I was looking for a Miles like "Time after Time/TuTu" mix on that one. I have tons of these in the bag---just have to work on them.
Appreciate the comment, great to hear from you!
Jason
Jason,
Thanks for checking in.....man, I remember that night at the Cafe....I had to get a root canal that afternoon...The truth is that I should probably not been playing that night. We are a CRAZY bunch.
This site is really slick....I'll be on line even more now..I'm sure the family will love that!
Be well bro!
PeaceRV
Thanks! I know you've done your "homework" to mention Sprite! ;) I'm doing well balancing it all these days, which is almost harder than playing the actual horn!
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Yeah man, Bern was fun.....YouTube is really dangerous...I can spend hours there......3 and 4 without realizing the time.
BTW, I dig that You dig Miles so much!!
PeaceRV
Best from LA,
Ed
Appreciate the comment, great to hear from you!
Jason
dat some funky smac man!
Sincerely,
Rich Wetzel
Bach Stradivarius Trumpet Artist and Clinician
Rich Wetzel's Groovin Higher Jazz Orchestra
Thanks for checking in.....man, I remember that night at the Cafe....I had to get a root canal that afternoon...The truth is that I should probably not been playing that night. We are a CRAZY bunch.
This site is really slick....I'll be on line even more now..I'm sure the family will love that!
Be well bro!
PeaceRV
BillJarvis
The Claude Gordon is older but still plays. I'll keep my eye out for a horn for you.
Love your tracks!!!
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