Paul Dietrich Jazz Ensemble

Composer and trumpet player Paul Dietrich has been described as “an apt bandleader, an exceptional composer, and a superlative performer” (All About Jazz) and “a skilled composer” (JazzTrail) and his music has been praised as “stunningly beautiful” (Audiophile Audition) and “captivating” (Chicago Jazz Magazine). Formed in 2016, the Paul Dietrich Jazz Ensemble was conceived as a vehicle to display modern jazz big band writing by all sorts of composers, including the band’s leader. Their 2019 album Forward features the music of Dietrich and an all-star band featuring guest artist and world-renowned drummer Clarence Penn (Dave Douglas, Maria Schneider) alongside many of the Midwest’s best jazz musicians, including Greg Ward, Russ Johnson, Dustin Laurenzi, Matt Gold, and Tony Barba. This performance will feature a who’s who of Wisconsin’s best jazz musicians, including David Cooper, Allen Cordingley, and John Christensen.