Pim Parnell

Drummer and founder member of the Ted Heath Orchestra, Jack Parnell, is featured with his own brilliant big band on this Vocalion release. Jack’s own band came into being when, in 1951, he left the Heath orchestra to assume the role of musical director for the London stage show ‘Fancy Free’. When the show folded, the musicians - albeit with a few changes in personnel - formed the nucleus of Jack’s band.An essential purchase for British big band connoisseurs.

The life of Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell, following from 1880 onward his struggle to free his country from English rule, pursued in prison, Parliament, and elsewhere. Emphasis is on the relationship with married Katie O'Shea which threatens to bring all Parnell's plans to ruin. Moderately accurate historically.

Parnell’s new album encompasses a realized vision that reflects the cumulative essence of who Lee Roy Parnell is today. He states, “One of the best things about gaining some maturity is you finally find out ‘Who You Is and Who You Ain’t.’ That said, I’d have to say that the song ‘Too Far Gone’ best describes me as an artist, now. It’s clearly a Blue-Eyed Soul ‘Beat Ballad’ as Barry Beckett (of The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and my first producer) would call it. Barry really taught me how to make records. He taught me about groove, soul, vocal delivery and how to make every note count! The message here is in life and love we ebb and flow. We have good days and tough days. What counts is going the distance (or at least as far as you can).”

AVID Jazz here presents two classic Jack Parnell albums plus two classic E.P's plus 27 additional recordings including the complete recorded output of The Vic Lewis and Jack Parnell Jazzmen and previously unissued recordings of Kenny Bakers Swing Group featuring Jack Parnell. Including original LP and E.P. liner notes on a finely re-mastered and low priced double CD. To coin a phrase from one of the featured E.P's in our new release, we certainly do have a parade of Parnells for your entertainment!

“Steel yourself for his mallets of musical mastery”. So runs the spruik in the liner notes of Nick Parnell’s self-published album Vibes Virtuoso. This is no idle boast. Adelaide percussionist Parnell knows his way round the three octaves of metal keys and sustain pedal and his mission is to put this instrument centre stage.