Brian Pastor is one of the premier trombonists in the tri-state area. He is the Principal Trombonist with the Philly Pops. In 1994, as a vehicle for professional musicians to play big band jazz music and provide a showcase for great jazz soloists, arrangers and composers, he founded The Brian Pastor Big Band (BPBB), comprised of outstanding musicians from the Philadelphia/South Jersey area. Included among his roster of musicians are saxophonists, Bob Apgar, Andrew Neu, Ed Etkins, Alan Kirschner, and Skip Spratt; Jay Shanman, Paul Morris, and Mike Purdy along with the Bands founder and leader on trombone; and Rick Gazda, Chuck Gottesman, Kevin Rogers, and Peter Neu on trumpet. Piano, bass, drums, and guitar are handled by Dave Kenney, Rob Cochran, Lew Leabman, and Nick Bucci respectively.

The highlights of a BPBB concert include diverse arrangements and original compositions, a fantastic ensemble sound, unbelievable soloists, stratospheric trumpet notes and, of course, the trombone of Brian Pastor.

BPBB's first CD Common Men was released in June 2006. Some of the outstanding tunes on the CD are It's Alright With Me, Fanfare for The Common Man, Little Henry, Midnight Buffet and Make Someone Happy (featuring a Brian Pastor vocal).

If you enjoy listening to a roaring and swinging big band, then get the Common Men CD and come to a BPBB concert where Brian will personally autograph the CD.

Review from the International Trombone Association Journal
COMMON MEN
THE BRIAN PASTOR BIG BAND
Brian Pastor, Leader, Trombone

In chronicling the history of jazz, many writers have bemoaned the disappearance of the touring big band near the midpoint of the last century. Scores of young musicians were positively influenced upon hearing a professional big band for the first time. Fortunately this has been remedied to some degree by regional "rehearsal" bands like the Brian Pastor Big Band: seasoned professionals committed to their craft and perpetuating the art of the big band. This Philadelphia-based ensemble, formed in 1994, has obviously built a loyal following of devoted fans at the Casino Deli in Northeast Philadelphia.

COMMON MEN is a delightful assimilation of skillfully-arranged standards and original compositions. Five band members, including the leader, composed and/or arranged 11 of the 14 cuts on the recording, all executed with skill and competence. Excellent soloists are featured throughout the recording, as well.

The Brian Pastor Big Band is quite ably carrying on a rich and important tradition in America music. These musicians have created a recording in which they should take pride. In addition, they are, in a specific and important way, perpetuating an art form and tradition that deserves support. Bravo!

Tom Walker
University of Missouri-St. Louis

For Presenters:
The band has been selected as a roster artist of Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour. For more information visit the PennPAT site: http://www.pennpat.org/RosterArtist.aspx?id=1108

The Brian Pastor Big Band CD "Common Men" is now available from this web site and these fine stores:

Buy "Common Men" On Line:

All About Jazz web site posts rave review of "Common Men" - Go to review
It's HERE! and you can get your copy of the new Brian Pastor Big Band CD! Here's how..
Read all about it!
Pictures! Fans at the Casino Deli

Our site is always under development and will change often. Please visit us for information about the band, where we'll be performing and special features including pictures, bios and m3u sound files.

Sincerely,

Brian

web site developed and maintained by Mike Purdy