"Hey, this is some hot stuff right here. 2 REASONS is one of the liveliest trumpet albums I’ve ever heard! Check out some of the most exciting trumpet work you’ve heard in a long time!" ~Scott O’Brien” Director of Web casting/radio Services CD review by Abyss Jazz Magazine-Jason Parra--Two Reasons
Jason Parra, a jazz trumpeter with a little something more came out smokin’ with Two Reasons; a skillful blend of hip-hop, funk and smooth jazz all rolled into one dynamite sound…… Melodic based with hooks that are off the chain! Review by Rachelle Bivins, Publisher/Abyss Jazz Magazine Review by Denis Poole: Smooth Vibes (The United Kingdoms #1 Jazz site)-----Readers of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden will know it’s the place to go for a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good. “Two Reasons, the debut CD from jazz trumpeter Jason Parra is one of the freshest new releases you will hear this year”. A talented studio musician and songwriter, Jason has also found time to tour with Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Arturo Sandoval, Lionel Hampton, The James Brown Band and Gene Harris. In addition his profile has been enhanced by appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and NBC’s Today Show. Two Reasons contains eleven, all original compositions and from the first note of the first and title track it is clear that this is a piece of top notch smooth jazz. The second cut, the tight and funky ‘Aguamala’ with Parra’s classy muted trumpet to the fore, is just as good, This same signature sound is again in evidence on both ‘Twisted’, where they whip up a real frenzy and on ‘I Got to Be Myself’, a tune with a horn driven swing and the thread of a smooth melody running right through it. However, with ‘Mellow Traumatic’ Jason switches effortlessly to flugelhorn and proves that he is quite capable of turning it down and in so doing producing a haunting melody that makes this track a gem. Jason Parra has been picking up some rave reviews for live performances. be on the look out for Two Reasons-- a comprehensive showcase for his considerable talents".--Denis Poole
Jason Parra & the X Factor-Two Reasons” by Michael Deeds Calling this the best-ever smooth jazz album I have reviewed isn't necessarily hyperbole. Trumpeter Parra deserves praise and respect for this funky collection of radio-ready, contemporary instrumental cuts. Deep-groove bass and sky-scraping, emotive trumpet make these melodies perfect for a sexy candlelight dinner......But on the track “Never Look Back.” Parra gets technical and unleashes a five-octave run from a triple G to low G. Such technical proficiency is no secret to Parra’s peers. “I think Jason’s a great player,” declares singer, saxophonist Curtis Stigers (Arista, Sony and Concord Records). Soulful yet ambitious, this disc actually may be too rockin' for smooth jazz fans occasionally. That's OK. Smoothies need a wake-up call.
Jason Parra-Patrick Wiele---CD Critic, Keys and Chords Magazine This is the solo debut of smooth jazz trumpeter Jason Parra. He played on a professional basis with Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Arturo Sandoval, Bruce Willis and The James Brown Band, Also many national TV performances. This disk contains eleven refreshing original compositions, composed and performed by Parra. Although the smooth jazz is here, it contains undertones of R&B and funk. Two Reasons is a GREAT CD, and so far my pick for best of the year. Patrick Wiele “Keys and Chords Magazine
Brian Soergel---www.smoothjazz.com---Americas #1 Site for smooth jazz. Jason Parra, Two Reasons: jazz trumpet music straight out of Boise, Idaho; Building on funk and R&B influences, Parra delivers a grooving set that recalls Rick Braun, especially on “Aguamala” and “What Goes Around.”. Really good stuff!
-- Brian Soergel “What were listening to now”
Rafe Gomez---The Groove Boutique, NYC "Jason, Man, you have one helluva kickin' disc there, bro! Lots of tastiness for what I do.I'm loving' the following, which will enter the mix ASAP: Aguamala-Never Look Back-Twisted-X Factor. Good luck with everything you do!" Rafe-
Jazz Lynks “Canada’s number one jazz connection: Jason Parra, Two Reasons: "Jazz trumpeter Jason Parra, an accomplished studio player and singer/songwriter, has performed and toured with over a dozen Grammy Award Winners and shared the stage with countless other artists. He's played professionally throughout the United States and abroad, but is originally from BoiseIdaho. Although Boise may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering hotbeds of the contemporary scene, nevertheless it's here that Parra is poised to create a huge impact with his debut release Two Reasons. Very creative stuff too as Parra isn't afraid to display his technique in a variety of progressive settings and one that will undoubtedly be included in our end of the year best of series specials!"
