Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Thomas Gansch (tp) – «Neat Little Songs»

The long and very fruitful artistic relationship between Thomas Gansch and the ZJO has now been immortalized on a studio recording. The new CD “Neat Little Songs” was released at Moods on May 22. The program consists exclusively of compositions by Thomas Gansch, arranged by Ed Partyka. In addition to Thomas, the soloists of the ZJO can also be heard extensively. The music is both profound and humorous, combining elements of jazz, classical and folk music with unexpected detours into the world of film music and 20th-century pop culture.

Almost exactly eleven years have passed since Thomas Gansch first performed with the ZJO. Today, he is a good friend of the band and a favorite of the ZJO audience. The basic concept for the joint CD therefore remains the same: musical fireworks, fun, unconventionality, and craziness. Gansch and the ZJO have already performed everything imaginable together: Gil Evans, Don Ellis, their own compositions. And now Thomas Gansch’s own compositions can be heard on the new CD.

Thomas Gansch and Ed Partyka have known each other for ages. They met in 1999 with the Vienna Art Orchestra, and later Ed Partyka also played in Thomas Gansch’s band “Gansch & Roses.” “We’ve known each other for so long, but until now I’ve never had the opportunity to arrange his music for jazz orchestra. I’m really happy that this has finally become possible and that we can present this special program with new arrangements with the ZJO on a joint album,” says Ed Partyka. Thomas Gansch not only has a keen awareness of the history of popular music and jazz, his roots also reach back to Alpine folk music and the entire history of European classical music. All this profound knowledge is packaged in Viennese charm and presented with a great stage show and virtuoso trumpet playing. When you listen to him, you get the impression that playing the trumpet is easy.

Further information about the CD and what the press has to say about it.