Five years after her retirement from Jackson High School, Pat Schwent has accomplished another milestone in her musical career. If you are on this web site, you have already heard of "Saxy Jazz" That group, headlined by Pat's saxophones and Pete Parysek's keyboard and vocals, performs smooth jazz, swing and classic rock as a duo, trio, and quartet. The "Saxy Jazz Transitions" is an eleven piece big band in the tradition of "Chicago","Blood, Sweat & Tears", "The Fifth Dimension" and the classic "Motown" sound.
Pat is proud to welcome American Idol semi-finalist Chrissie Icaza to the stage. She blasts out those “Motown” melodies better than the original artists. The rest of the band consists of the finest musicians between St. Louis and Memphis. SEMO University Professor Dr. Mark Flugham trumpet. Cape Central Orchestra Director Steve Schafner on Guitar, Jackson High School Band Directors Scott Vangilder, Tom Broussard, Paul Fliege and Chris Crawford add trumpet, trombone, baritone saxophone and auxiliary percussion. The trap drummer is Fredericktown Band Director Mark Ellison. Bassist Sam Godwin adds the bottom foundation. Keyboard and vocal stylings of Pete Parysek and Pat Schwent’s tenor, alto and soprano saxophones round out the “Transitions”. This “big Band’ is a great choice for reunions, weddings, and any celebration for the baby boomers. |