Andy Parsons is a composer and jazz musician with his own scoring company, ScoreSmith. Andy's writing has been featured in commissioned performances, documentaries, film, and online media, as well as on numerous recordings with his own and other groups.

Andy's writing is accessible yet maintains a recognizable flair for distinctive creative elements of melody and harmony. A new crop of his small ensemble compositions was released in 2003 with "Flip," his third recording as a leader on the Sons of Sound label. The "Flip" band consists of the legendary John Patitucci (bass), Ben Monder (guitar), and long-time collaborator Gene Lewin (drums). Andy was a semifinalist in the 2002 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, where he performed original music to the kudos of judges Wayne Shorter, George Coleman, and others. Andy was honored to have been included on the 2002 WKCR Musician's Show roster, which hosts guest artists on the historic Columbia University jazz radio station. The list of prior guests includes Joe Lovano, Paul Motian, and Chick Corea.

Andy's music has been described as "eclectic" by critic Ira Gitler and "masterful, full of wonderful colors and surprise twists and turns" by jazz great Bob Mintzer. Andy has achieved a unity of composing and playing that makes his work instantly recognizable and very much in demand. He is currently composing music to be featured in 2 upcoming A&E documentaries. In reviews, Andy's style of composition has been compared with that of Wayne Shorter, whom he cites as a strong influence.

Parsons' resume as a sideman is impressive and ever-growing. He has toured America and Japan and worked with Rez Abbasi, the Bob Mintzer Big Band, Glenn Miller Orchestra, David Sanborn and Gil Goldstein, and David Berger's Duke Ellington Projects. His recorded work, in addition to 3 recordings of original music as a leader, includes recording with Michael Holober, Akira Tana, Jay Leonhart, and Broadway vocalist Jodi Stevens. Recently released recordings from Mr. Leonhart and Ms. Stevens feature Andy prominently.

Andy attended the Eastman School of Music, and during his residency there lectured in jazz theory. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from Tufts University. He earned his masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied compostition with Maria Schneider and Bob Mintzer, and orchestration with the late great Manny Albam. As a student, Andy won numerous scholarships and awards including a first place finish in Downbeat magazine's student music competition.

Andy is honored to have been selected as a finalist in the 2003 Turner Classic Movies Young Film Composers Competition for his work on the silent film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari." A panel of notable Hollywood scoresmiths led by legend Elmer Bernstien chose 10 finalists from over 500 international composers. For his upcoming dance commission "Miss Conception," Andy was awarded a Meet the Composer grant. He is also currently at work on his next recording which will include an ambitious array of new pieces. For more information about Andy's performing groups and live dates, please visit www.scoresmith.com.