“Ricky Parrell plays alto and tenor saxes as he leads a large ensemble including trumpet star Randy Brecker and keyboards wizard Justin Stanton through a collection of originals. The pretty voice of Emily Wellington wistfully swings with the two guests on “ Man Like You” while upbeat funk stomps with electricity for “Work” and the kick backing “My Bike Lock,” which also has Brecker on the bright horn. Chris Ziemba delivers a wonderful solo piano for “Interlude I-66” and the team gives a soulfest for “Home” while Parrell’s pretty horn waltzes through “Mom & Dad’s.” Toe tapping fun.” - George W. Harris
“Inspired by the significant keys he’s owned and loved, this DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia)-based musician is on the precipice of releasing “Keys to My Life” with the most special musical guests of all: his father and his sister. Also on this energetic and syncopated adventure are trumpeters Randy Brecker (who naturally kills it here) and Justin Stanton of Snarky Puppy fame who plays right and tight.”
“Inspired by a prompt that asks creative writers to craft short stories about items on their keychains, Parrell decided to shift the idea toward another medium — an album he ended up calling “Keys to My Life.” Listeners can expect to hear six to eight tracks on the album each featuring a different genre or style of jazz.”