Jumpin’ at the Woodside: A Tribute to Count Basie with ACME Jazz Company
Jumpin’ at the Woodside: A Tribute to Count Basie
ACME Jazz Company is an 18 piece big band featuring vocalist Arne Fogel, singing selections from the Great American Songbook. Saxophonist Bob Parsons contributes his classic charts and unique arrangements to the band’s growing eclectic repertoire. This month the band celebrates the legacy of the legendary Count Basie, pianist and band leader of the Count Basie Orchestra, perhaps the most prominent jazz performing group of the swing era.
Vocalist: Arne Fogel
Music Director and Arranger: Bob Parsons
Arranger and woodwind performer Bob Parsons grew up in St. James, Minnesota.
After receiving an M.A. in composition from the University of Minnesota,
Parsons moved in 1991 to New York City, where he was involved in composition,
arranging, and production work for major label recording projects, jingles,
and film scores. Parsons provided in-studio arranging services for Herbie Hancock,
Joe Henderson, John Scofield, the Brecker Brothers, and many others. Since
returning to Minnesota, Bob joined the Acme Jazz Company, which features
his arrangements, giving him a forum for his personal eclectic style.
Arne Fogel has written, produced and/or appeared in dozens of concert presentations
in such venues as Orchestra Hall (where he performed as Rosemary Clooney’s
opening act for her penultimate career appearance), Bloomington Center For
the Arts, Crooners & The Dunsmore Room, Hanifl Center for the Performing Arts,
Hopkins Center for the Arts, 3M History Theater, Phipps Center for the Arts,
The Fitzgerald Theater, The Capri Theater, and many other venues throughout
the Upper Midwest.
“[Bob Parsons] does most of the arrangements for the band, and they’re a great swinging big band!” — Gerry Swanberg, Big Band Scene, KBEM