Home » Jazz Musicians » Phil Parnell

Phil Parnell

Phil Parnell is a freelance pianist, producer and songwriter from New Orleans, based in Denmark. He has enjoyed 35 years in the music business performing around the globe with artists from cutting edge of the music spectrum to torchbearers from Storyville’s heyday and nearly everything in-between! Diversity has kept him involved in so many projects, which in turn has kept his keen musical perspective and enthusiasm alive over the years.

In the 1970's he was a piano student of Ellis Marsalis’ before attending Berklee College of music in Boston. His musical education continued in the blues and jazz clubs of New Orleans working with many old school musicians like Freddy Kohlmann, David Lastie, Gatemouth Brown, and Justin Adams. He has performed on stage with such notables as Bettye Lavette, Astrud Gilberto, Brian Blade, George Porter jr. (of the Meters), Bo Diddly, Imelda May, Jamie Lidell, Matthew Herbert, John & Lillian Boutte' and Oscar Brown jr all from whom he has drawn influence and inspiration.

Recent highlights of Phil’s career include: 'PP3_Blue' the 2nd CD release for his eclectic 3-tet 'PP3'. Recording 'Normalment Plan Bar', an experimental CD with 'FR::YK', a Swiss electronic music project in Valais CH. Recording at Abbey Road studios and subsequent touring with the Matthew Herbert Big Band 'There's Me And There’s You' CD (with the Phil Parnell Trio being drafted in to fill the rhythm section chairs). World tour with nouveau soul singer/songwriter Jamie Lidell and opening for Elton John's Red Piano tour. Appearing with Lillian Boutte' in a live performance his song 'Party All My Troubles Away' in the 2009 Zurich Film festival documentary category winner "The Sound After the Storm" about New Orleans musicians after hurricane Katrina.

Phil has a dozen cd/vinyl releases under his own name presenting a variety of styles and also plays piano/keyboards on recordings as a sideman with many other artists. (see website for more info) Currently producing the 3rd PP3 release with guest artists from New Orleans Rick Trolsen on trombone and Roderick Paulin on sax, and a few surprises!... booking PP3 for 2011 and gearing up for his 10th Danish January gospel tour with Lillian Boutte'…. and learning Danish!

Tags

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

PP3 Blue

Village Studio Records
2010

buy

Dear Jo

Acta
1996

buy

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.