Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra feat. Wave Cage

Sat, Jan 11

2024 CJC Hall of Fame Next Generation Award Winner Paul Lichty’s Jazz Orchestra is joined by Wave Cage for an outstanding evening of brass & synth. The groups will combine jazz composition, atmospheric synths, and driving beats for a large scale blend of electrified jazz fusion. ––– The Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra (PLJO) is an 18-piece large jazz ensemble that performs Paul’s original compositions and arrangements exclusively. Formed in 2017, the band has performed in various venues across the state, frequently selling out shows at Noce since Paul relocated to Des Moines in 2020. Notable musicians that have been featured in the band include UNI faculty Christopher Merz, Michael Conrad, and Anthony Williams; Iowa City’s Blake Shaw, Nolan Schroeder, Jarrett Purdy, Chris Jensen, and Marvin Truong, and Des Moines’ Dave Rezek, Jackson Churchill, Antonio Garza, Gabe Scheid, Alayna Ringsby, and Rishi Kolusu. His voice is on full display in PLJO's debut album, "Dark Soul," recorded June of 2019. This record, completely crowdfunded with financial support from over 60 donors, includes seven original compositions and one arrangement of Paul’s. The charts from “Dark Soul” are inspired by various life experiences, ranging from the shenanigans of a college house party, the bewilderment of watching the 2016 presidential debates, and his adventures on various dating apps. “Dark Soul” can be heard on all streaming platforms and available for purchase on Bandcamp. In addition to writing for PLJO, Paul is an active freelance composer, arranger, and trombonist. He is a member of the brass band BYOBrass and performs regularly with the Max Wellman Big Band, NOLA Jazz Band, BONORAMA, and the Des Moines Big Band. Almost every ensemble that he performs with regularly performs his compositions or arrangements. Paul has arranged music for contemporary jazz giants Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ben Wendel in addition to contributing music for Michael Conrad’s new project, the Iowa Jazz Composer’s Orchestra, an elite ensemble that performs works by Iowa composers. As music director for the band BYOBrass, Paul regularly contributes compositions and arrangements which have helped develop and refine the band’s unique approach to the brass band medium. Other recent collaborations/commissions include works for Max Wellman, Heath Alan, Jeff Kane (NOLA Jazz Band), Dr. Robert Washut (UNI Jazz Panthers), Logan Vander Wiel (Marion High School), Lucas Petersen (Purdue University and Winterset High School), and Brad Jensen (Hudson High School). In 2024, Paul was recipient of the CJC Des Moines Hall of Fame "Next Generation" award which recognizes an up-and-coming musician who has made an impact on the music scene in Des Moines. --- Wave Cage is Ryan Garmoe (trumpet and electronics), Nolan Schroeder (sax and electronics), Jarrett Purdy (synths and keyboards), and Chris Jensen (drums). Their debut project, ThePortrait EP, was described by Little Village Magazine as “an engaging, atmospheric, beautifully produced, and humorous recording”, and by the River Cities’ Reader as “evoking the smooth melodies and diverse textures of early Weather Report; the ambitious, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink arrangements of groups such as Jaga Jazzist; and the more genre-agnostic trip-hop beat decisions of such projects as Thievery Corporation and Zero 7.” The band’s latest album, "Even You Can See in the Dark," is dedicated to DIY music and art scenes everywhere. It’s a celebration of how collaboration nurtures creative communities, creates a sense of belonging, and encourages artistic and personal growth.