Mitch Paliga - soprano saxophone; Jo Ann Daugherty - Fender Rhodes and accordian; Ryan Bennett - drums;John McLean - guitars; Patrick Williams - acoustic bass.
Etkilendikleri
David Liebman, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Debussy...
Born in the small isolated mountain town of Libby Montana, Mitch first heard music when his father would play the harmonica around the house. He liked to play old cowboy/folk tunes like "Red River Valley". His father, Nick, learned how to play the harmonica as a young boy from his childhood friend Lido Vizuti. Lido is the father of the well known trumpet player Alan Vizuti. Mitch's mother, Joyce, also played trumpet when she was in high school which was going to be his instrument but alas, he changed his mind at the last minute to the saxophone for reasons he still does not know.
In 1972 he joined the public school band program, started on alto saxophone and was hooked. While in High school Mitch encountered the soprano saxophone and soon learned that this was his voice. After high school he went to Rocky Mountain College for one year then to Eastern New Mexico University where he finished a music degree. After college Mitch left for Champaign-Urbana, Illinois to pursue a Masters degree. It didn't take long to figure out that this not where his interests lie. Playing professionally and in diverse situations was of more interest and the rich local music scene offered this. While in C-U Mitch performed in the West African Highlife ensemble Bontuku, the pop/rock/funk band Modern Humans as well as leading jazz quartets, quintets and working as a sideman in other jazz groups. After the invaluable experience the inevitable and obvious move was of course to Chicago.
Moving to Chicago in 1990 has offered many opportunities and experiences. As a performer Mitch has worked with Randy Brecker, Vinnie Colaiuta, actor Gary Sinise, Rudy Linka, Akio Sasajima, Damon Short, Jo Ann Daugherty, Fred Simon, Deanna Witkowski, John Elmquist's "Hard Art Groop", "Kimotion" and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. He is also a member of the Chicago Jazz Composers Collective.
In 1993, Mitch was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study Grant to study with master saxophonist David Liebman. Liebman's influence was not just limited to saxophone playing and jazz improvisation but also composition. In 1998, Mitch received a master's degree in jazz pedagogy from Northwestern University. While at Northwestern he studied jazz arranging and advanced jazz composition with Don Owens, contributing original arrangements and compositions for the Northwestern jazz ensemble and jazz improvisation with Michael Kocour. In 2000, he received a City of Chicago Community Arts Assistance Program Grant to record his compositions for jazz quintet. Mitch is also an active educator in the Chicago area, teaching at Lake Forest College, Illinois Benedictine University, North Central College, and Old Town School of Folk Music and has a number of private students.
DISCOGRAPHY
BLITHE MOMENTS, Mitch Paliga 2006
FOOT & BIRD, Hard Art Group 2005
CASH COW, Hard Art Group 2005
RANGE OF MOTION, Jo Ann Daugherty 2005
DAWSON'S NEW RAGE, Mike Dawson 2004
KIMOTION LIVE, Kimotion 2004
JUMP IN, Radio Improved 2002
CHANGES WITHIN, John Menges 1999
DAWSON, Mike Dawson 1999
REAL WORLD, Ryan Cohan 1996
STEVE RAMSDELL, Steve Ramsdell 1995
MODERN HUMANS, Modern Humans 1988, unreleased
FRIENDS, Oscar Sulley 1987
BONTUKU, Oscar Sulley 1987
QUOTES
"Mitch has a beautiful sound on the soprano and some very compelling compositions that I enjoyed a lot. A stellar band as well."
David Liebman
"exquisite lyric phrases from soprano saxophonist Mitch Paliga." Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune
"The guitarist (Steve Ramsdell) would be hard pressed to find a better associate than Paliga, whose soprano compliments the writing throughout." Cadence Magazine
"Paliga, although a fine tenorist, is known for his concentration on soprano saxophone." and,"shares his mentor's (David Liebman) fascination with chromaticism, weaving erudite lines with grace and poise." New City
"In addition to the pianists (Jo Ann Daugherty) core trio, the most impressive sideman is Mitch Paliga, particularly on soprano". Scott Yanow, Allmusic.com
"Paliga is an interesting composer but he also may be the next great voice on the soprano sax. " Cadence Magazine
MITCH PALIGA: Blithe Moments
A unique and individual voice on the soprano saxophone as well as composer playing original music with a five movement suite inspired by John Coltrane and Keith Jarret.
We are very excited about playing at such an awesome jazz club. We have some great sets lined up for you, so don't miss it. Friday and Saturday November 20th and 21st, 5:00-8:30p at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago
Aaron Koppel -Guitar, Matt Nelson; (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) -Keyboard, Graham Czach; (Chicago Afrobeat Project) -bass, Robert Tucker (Matthew Santos) -drums
Hey Mitch. I just wanted to say it was great seeing you at Cantigny. You were all superb. I wish I had gotten the chance to come back and say hello. Thanks for all you guys do for the troops. Its very appreciated.
Mitch, You may be contacted by my former 1st Sergeant and sax player from my time spent at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri. His name is Chris Burnett and he just released his debut album. Guess what? Your pianist,Benjamin Lewis, played for him! Small world. Hope you two hook up! -Kyle
I hope this past year has been good for you! My wife and I now live in Madras, Oregon. I landed a gig as a JROTC Instructor here at the high school. We've been here almost two months now. Good Times!!!!
Hey, thanks for the add and THANKS a BUNCH for the great show you put on with LT Dan Band in Ramstein Germany on the 4th. My drive from Wiesbaden to see y'all was well worth it! Thanks for your support!
Thanks for the add and more importantly for doing what you do for the troops. I have 2 sons in the 101st Airbrone , one deployed one getting ready to get out. When you play at Ft Campbell I will tell you the best place for steaks. There is a Steak House called Charlies.They have the best steaks in Kentucky. I try to take the boys there for a really great meal when I am down there. Thanks again for sending me your schedule
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