THE BRIAN PASTOR BIG BAND ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF COMMON MEN

PHILADELPHIA - June 1, 2006 - The Brian Pastor Big Band is proud to announce the release of its new CD, Common Men. This long-awaited recording contains seven original compositions by Pastor and other members of the band as well as seven fresh arrangements of jazz standards that spotlight exciting soloists and a crisp swinging ensemble. The CD is currently available at www.brianpastorbigband.com.

Highly regarded bandleader/trombonist Brian Pastor formed this big band to give seventeen of Philadelphia's finest musicians an opportunity to play the music they love. The Brian Pastor Big Band has featured outstanding local soloists, composers and arrangers since 1994. The band has been showcased at numerous area jazz venues and boasts a loyal following of jazz lovers from the Tri-State area.

The band performs twice a month at the Casino Deli, 2425 Welsh Rd. in Northeast Philadelphia, and is also available for private engagements. Other public appearances are listed on its website.

Here is what people are saying about the CD:

...one of the finest bands in existence today. The arrangements are wonderful, the ensemble is tight and the solos are of the highest quality...a unique and exciting band!
Grammy Award Winner / Pianist / Conductor, Peter Nero, Music Director & Conductor Peter Nero and the Philly Pops

...A beautifully orchestrated and engineered gem...explores fresh new trails...explodes in riveting solo content...
Trombonist Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg
( of Late Night with Conan O'Brien )

...fantastic...a spectacular display of playing, wonderful choice of pieces, fun and exhilarating music that will make you smile...This CD is a must for every big band fan.
Nitzan Haroz, Principal Trombone, The Philadelphia Orchestra

...if you love the sound and energy of a live kickin' big band, then you will love this CD. Lots of fun, diverse arrangements, and the intensity that only a real big band can deliver... It doesn't get any more "live" than this!
Brian Bromberg, Bassist / Recording Artist / Producer

...Totally OUT OF SIGHT...great soloists...excellent group...all the musicianship, excitement and force of a large band with the flexibility of a small group...they cook!
Norman W.E. Satchell, Saxaphonist / Radio Host WNJC 1360 AM

The Brian Pastor Big Band and Peter Nero featured in the Philadelphia Daily News:

Fans (and the band) were treated to a surprise visit on the December 22 concert at the Casino Deli by Peter Nero. Mr. Nero has a long association via the Philly Pops with members of the band. He was invited to sit in and becomes the first person to ever do so. Below is the actual text from a notice in the next day's newspaper:

Philadelphia Daily News (PA)
December 23, 2003

Author: STU BYKOFSKY & DAN GROSS

A Nero at the deli

The Tuesday night crowd at the Casino Deli (2425 Welsh) got a huge surprise when pianist and Philly Pops conductor Peter Nero walked in around 10 p.m. "I was just stopping by to hear the guys in the band - Mike Purdy, Andrew and Peter Neu, and Brian Pastor - because they've played with the Pops for a lot of years," Nero says. The visit quickly turned into an impromptu performance, when - urged on by the crowd - Peter sat in for a set. For the next half-hour, the sounds of "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Blues in F" and "All of Me" filled the Deli air.

The Brian Pastor Big Band plays regularly on Tuesday nights at the Deli, with the next performance set for Jan. 20.