Paul Lichty is a trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator currently living in Des Moines, IA. He currently leads the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra (PLJO), an 18-piece big band that performs his compositions and arrangements exclusively, featuring many of the finest jazz musicians from across the state of Iowa. Paul’s compositions consist of many clever twists and turns on numerous different styles of music and is heavily biographical in nature, providing a unique yet engaging approach to big band composition. Formed in 2017, PLJO recorded its debut album, “Dark Soul” in 2019. This record, completely crowdfunded with financial support from over 60 donors, includes seven original compositions and one arrangement of Paul’s. It is available for listening on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music, as well as at Paul's website at paullichtymusic.com.
Equally adept at writing for a variety of instrumental ensembles and skill levels, Paul’s music has been performed across the United States, Cuba, Israel, and South Africa. Paul was commissioned twice by Chris Merz to write arrangements for UNI’s annual Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz concerts for guest artists Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ben Wendel. He has also contributed music for Michael Conrad’s new project, the Iowa Jazz Composer’s Orchestra (iowajazzcomposersorchestra.com). Other commissions include works for Heath Alan, Jeff Kane (NOLA Jazz Band), Bob Washut (UNI Jazz Panthers), Lucas Petersen (Purdue University and Winterset High School), Dr. John Wiles (UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club), Brad Jensen (Hudson High School), and Clayton Ryan (The Singing Mountain). During his time as a student at UNI, his works were recorded on five UNI Jazz Band One albums. Currently, you can hear Paul's music performed by BYOBrass (where he serves as music director), the Nate Sparks Big Band, the Des Moines Big Band, as well as his own ensembles that he teaches as a middle school band director in Carlisle, IA.
As a tenor and bass trombonist, Paul maintains an active performance schedule. Currently a trombonist for BYOBrass, the Nate Sparks Big Band, and the 515 Brass Collective, he has also performed numerous times with the NOLA Jazz Band, the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra, the Max Wellman Big Band, and the Des Moines Big Band, as well as a multitude of other ensembles in almost every genre. Prior to moving to Des Moines, Paul worked as a cruise ship musician and arranger onboard the Crystal Symphony.
Add To Calendar
Share 