Andy PARSONS

Andy Parsons was awarded several merit scholarships to the Berklee College of Music and named Connecticut Music Educator's Association Jazz Soloist of the Year while in high school. While attending Tufts University, Andy studied with his first mentor, the saxophone colossus Jerry Bergonzi. He spent a year at the Eastman School of Music teaching undergraduate jazz theory and improvisation while studying under the tutelage of pianist/composer Bill Dobbins, who helped convince him that New York was the next musical frontier to explore. At Eastman Andy performed alongside Claudio Roditi, Bob Belden, and Steve Gadd.

Since moving to Manhattan in 1993, Andy has earned his master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music, studied with Bob Mintzer and Bobby Watson, and performed in an number of diverse situations including stints with Vic Juris, the Bob Mintzer Big Band, and as a featured soloist with Wynton Marsalis in David Berger's Duke Ellington tribute band. Recently Andy toured America with Ozone recording artist Rez Abbasi's group, and performed at the White House with David Sanborn and Gil Goldstein. His group from the Manhattan School was named best instrumental combo in the college division of the Downbeat Student Music Awards. And during his time in the city, Andy has appeared both as leader and sideman in some of New York's most recognizable venues including the Knitting Factory, The 5 Spot, Visiones, the 55 Bar and Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater.

In 2000 he toured Japan as a featured member of the Glenn Miler Orchestra. Andy's saxophone style has been described as both "modern yet sweet-toned" and "eclectic" by jazz critic Ira Gitler, and his compostions are, according to jazz great Bob Mintzer "masterful, full of wonderful colors and surprise twists and turns."

Andy is the co-leader of the Andy Parsons/Gene Lewin Quartet.