Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Thomas Gansch

The long and very fruitful artistic relationship between Thomas Gansch and the ZJO has now been immortalized on a studio recording. This new CD will be presented on May 22nd at Moods. 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 profound and humorous at the same time and combines 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's first performance with the ZJO. Today he is a good friend of the band and a favorite of the ZJO audience. The basic concept therefore remains the same for the joint CD: musical fireworks, fun, unconventional, crazy. Gansch and the ZJO have already performed everything imaginable together: Gil Evans, Don Ellis, their own music. And Thomas Gansch's own music can now be heard on the new CD.

Thomas Gansch and Ed Partyka have known each other for half an eternity. They met in 1999 at the Vienna Art Orchestra, and later Ed Partyka also played in Thomas Gansch's band Gansch & Roses. We have known each other for so long, but until now I have never had the opportunity to arrange his music for a jazz orchestra. I am very pleased that this has finally become possible and that we can present this special program with new arrangements with the ZJO on a joint disc, says Ed Partyka. Thomas Gansch not only has a keen awareness of the history of popular music and jazz, his roots also extend to Alpine folk music and the entire history of European classical music. All this profound knowledge is wrapped up in Viennese humor and presented with a great stage show and virtuoso trumpet playing. Listening to him, you get the impression that playing the trumpet is very easy.