HITS Vol. 1 Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra

• 1That 80's Opener06:08
• 2Vertical Convertible05:51
• 3The Clouds That Lead The Silence08:07
• 4Roads10:20
• 5Save Your Love For Me07:32
• 6Blue Skies04:50
• 7Chelsea Bridge06:01
• 8Hair Of The Dog16:01
• 9Na Palma Da Mao06:53
• 10Undiscovered first04:53
• Total Runtime01:16:36

Info for HITS Vol. 1

Ed Partyka's Jazz Orchestra (EPJO) was launched in Berlin in 2007 - its hallmark is the distinctive, and perhaps globally unparalleled, mix of musical personalities. All-stars from the European big band establishment play side by side with newcomers from the young and hip jazz scenes of Berlin, Amsterdam, Vienna and Prague. Musicians from the USA, Germany, Austria, Holland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic come together, with each of them bringing their own musical language and their typical (or national) sound into the mix. In the words of band leader Ed Partyka, it sounds as follows: 'we're a band with all the ups and downs that life has to offer us humans; births, deaths, separations, divorces, reconciliations and brand new loves. I count myself to be really lucky to have such amazing people around me who bring my music to life and support me and my artistic endeavour. Together we have developed a very unique orchestra sound!'

On 'Hits! Vol.1', the singer and composer Julia Oschewsky stands at the centre of musical events as a guest soloist. Born in Mainz and living in Amsterdam, she truly honours the title of the album and presents herself and the musicians on a variety of jazz and pop classics, as well as a repertoire of original compositions. According to Partyka, 'a little Fado and indie rock' ensure there is a perfect mix. Ed Partyka arranged all of the pieces specifically for the EPJO and says 'in recent years I have repeatedly dedicated myself to the arrangement of songs - something which I never expected would give me so much joy. Arranging Julia Oschewsky's compositions was a very special treat for me. She is a wonderful singer and composer and moves exceptionally light-footed between styles and languages. She has expanded my musical horizons in many ways.'

For those who already know his music from the past, this recording could, however, be a slight shock, as Ed Partyka remarks in his exquisitely humorous way: 'You're expect dark, depressing music filled with dissonance. And then this. With this recording (at least in long stretches of this recording), things suddenly turn out to be lighter, brighter and a little more hopeful. But of course, I've tried to find a balance between this new-found lightness and the moments of wonderful, familiar melancholy.'

But don't worry! Partyka's love of the earthy and warm brass sound of the ensemble and the subtle, rather quiet clarinets remain. 'Hits! Vol.1' is the familiar and 100% EPJO!

The Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra (EPJO)

As on their previous CD Hits! Vol.1 (MONS Records), the singer and composer Julia Oschewsky plays a prominent role on the current album Kopfkino. “Her voice adds a clarity and intensity that had been lacking in the sound of the orchestra so far” enthused Ed Partyka, “and it definitely colours my arrangements in a very special way.”

“Kopfkino” – it means fantasies, and the sequences of events and occurrences that play out in your own imagination.

Ed Partyka purposely chose this title for the new album by the Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra, and he uses the concept as a synonym for his composition (The Summer Of My Discontent (Summer In My Disco Tent)) and arrangements.

Composers such as Wayne Shorter (Fee Fi Fo Fum), Harold Arlen (Out Of This World), Ola Onabule (It’s The Peace That Deafens), Julia Oschewsky (One Two Three Ten) and Joris Roelofs (Ataraxia) all have their say; Ed Partyka puts his stamp on their work with his unmistakeable arrangements and inimitable musical ingenuity.

“This music invites you to (day) dream. The dense texture of the orchestration, the melodically improvised solos, and the bright-sounding voice of Julia Oschewsky fire up the imagination. A feeling of sad beauty infuses the music and the whole power of the orchestra is revealed in my dramatic arrangements” said the artist. According to Ed Partyka, every big band has its own language. Judging Kopfkino on those terms, the composer and arranger has once again managed to create an unforgettably eloquent work in a refined and polished language!

Julia Oschewsky
To think the music away from my life - impossible. It was somehow always there and when it was gone, it quickly reappeared, tapped me on the shoulder and said. "I want more".

I am originally from Bingen, a beautiful town in the romantic Rhine valley. In 2003, Amsterdam became my new home for 13 years when I started studying jazz singing at the conservatory there. After returning to Bingen at the end of 2016, I quickly felt at home again and was able to gain a musical foothold. I continue to feel deeply connected to Amsterdam and my fellow musicians there.

My life as a musician is colourful, exciting and full of variety. Again and again, new doors seem to open to areas of my thinking that I had no idea existed before. Music makes me stumble, be on the road, doubt, encounter myself and others, ask questions, find answers, grow.

In the following, I have retraced my path and summarised the most important stations for you.

Booklet for HITS Vol. 1