Ken Partyka Saxophone

Chicago Saxophonist Ken Partyka enjoys a multi-faceted career in the music business, which spans over twenty years. In his unique career, he has amassed an impressive resume as a performer, educator, bandleader and composer/arranger as well as being integrally involved with the retail music industry.

As owner of New Standard Music, Inc., a company that specializes in providing live jazz for private events and public performance, Ken has contracted dozens of events ranging from solo piano to big band. Ken also leads the New Standard Quintet, which recently released its debut CD “The Many Faces”. Ken served as producer and contributed 4 original songs to the project.

Known for his versatility and musicianship, Ken is in demand in a number of idioms, including jazz, big band and also in more commercial settings. In addition to leading the New Standard Quintet, Ken is also currently the lead alto saxophonist with the renowned Rob Parton Big Band and is saxophonist in the Paul Mabin Band.

Over his career, Ken has backed up celebrities such as Frankie Valli, The Temptations, The Spinners, Mel Torme, Arturo Sandoval and Frankie Avalon. He has recorded on numerous commercially released CDs, most notably with the band Sonia Dada, to which he contributed many horn section arrangements. As a member of various ensembles, Ken has performed at some of the largest venues in the country, including the Chicago Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the legendary Red Rock.

In addition to his professional performances, Ken is also in demand as a clinician, adjudicator and guest artist. Able to communicate with many age groups, Ken has appeared with junior high, high school, college and municipal bands, including the Notre Dame University Lab Band and the Ferry Ilg Big Band in Gmunden, Austria.

Since the year 2000, Ken has served as General Manager and Purchaser at Quinlan & Fabish Music, the largest school music dealer in the Chicago area. Over this time, he has become a respected industry expert in regards to music merchandise and purchasing.

*Ken Partyka is a Reunion Blues Artist