Chicago Ensemble Takes Big Band Music to the Next Level

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with Joel Baer and Chris Parsons, the co-founders of the Blueshift Big Band.

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WDCB 90.9 FM · The Arts Section: Chicago Ensemble Takes Big Band Music To Next Level

 “I think when people hear the term ‘big band’ they think World War Two, Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and that’s part of it, that’s part of the history of the music, for sure. But when I hear that term, I think of a ‘kind of ensemble’, an American orchestra, saxophones, trumpets, trombones and rhythm section.” - Joel Baer, Blueshift Big Band drummer, talking about some of the misconceptions people have about big bands.

(left to right) Blueshift Big Band members Joel Baer and Chris Parsons

The Blueshift Big Band came together in 2017. Guitarist Chris Parsons and drummer Joel Baer both shared an affinity for big bands, which led them to creating their own. But rather than play traditional repertoire, Parsons & Baer were interested in pushing the envelope in terms of the material they would take on. Among the Blueshift Big Band’s ambitious projects is the 2022 album JOYSTICK JAZZ, a collection of video game music covers.

You can learn more about the band at blueshiftbigband.com