Two O’Clock Lab Band – Return Two Paradise (2026)

The University of North Texas (UNT) continues to assert its reputation as a premier jazz education hub with the release of Two O’Clock Lab Band’s latest album, Return Two Paradise, set for 2026. This project highlights the exceptional talent of the school’s jazz students and the influential guidance of music director Rob Parton.

Known for attracting highly skilled musicians eager to collaborate and evolve, UNT’s jazz program fosters an environment where students not only perform but also compose and arrange. Return Two Paradise is a testament to this dynamic, featuring twelve tracks drawn from two live studio sessions recorded without overdubs, underscoring the authenticity and proficiency of the ensembles involved.

The album uniquely presents two iterations of the Two O’Clock Lab Band, representing the years 2025 and 2026 respectively. Each ensemble upholds a remarkable standard of musicianship, fluidly navigating between energetic, high-tempo pieces and more delicate, vocal-driven ballads. The absence of studio layering enhances the immediacy and vitality of the performances.

The repertoire spans original compositions by UNT students Jack Lanhardt and Eric Ladish, alongside reinterpretations of works by renowned artists such as Randy Newman, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Brookmeyer, and Dimitri Tiomkin. The inclusion of vocalists Ava Ramsey and Georgia Barge adds further texture, broadening the album’s sonic palette.

The opening track, Lanhardt’s “Hello!,” delivered by the 2026 lineup featuring bassist Claudia Easterwood, pianist Jacob Hanson, and drummer Simon Von Hatten, sets a vigorous tone with its fast pace and spirited solos from trombonist Colin Manocchio, trumpeter Finn Sullivan, and baritone saxophonist Davis Miller. The 2025 group showcases a contrasting jazz-funk energy in Steve Wiest’s “Ork vs Dragon,” anchored by Spencer Paulsen on bass, Brenin Coin on piano, and Zachary Johnson on drums, with notable saxophone contributions from Ryan Yumang and Aidan Schwarz.

The album’s treatment of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is transformed into an engaging swing arrangement, highlighted by Ramsey’s vocal delivery and Lanhardt’s big band orchestration. Likewise, Newman’s “When She Loved Me” gains emotional depth through Georgia Barge’s nuanced vocal performance, marked by refined phrasing and control.

Tiomkin’s “Return to Paradise” features a compelling blend of Ladish’s arrangement, Ramsey’s soulful vocals, and a standout guitar solo from Jacob Landrum, exemplifying the ensemble’s versatility. Additionally, Gershwin’s “The Man I Love” appears in a rendition consistent with a previous UNT release but retains freshness through Barge’s captivating interpretation.

The album delves into Bernstein’s West Side Story with “Cool” and “Tonight,” arranged by Rich DeRosa. The performances are characterized by rhythmic precision and vivacity, with Easterwood highlighted on bass and soprano saxophonist Nate Green delivering an energetic solo that elevates the arrangement.

A touch of Brazilian influence permeates Ladish’s “Siren’s Dilemma,” while the record closes with breezy interpretations of Brookmeyer’s “Make Me Smile,” Agustin Alonso’s “Second Chance,” and Lanhardt’s “Up and at ‘Em!” These selections demonstrate the band’s wide stylistic range and technical command.

While some may find the album’s dozen tracks slightly extensive, the overall quality validates the ambitious scope. Return Two Paradise stands as compelling evidence of UNT’s capacity to cultivate jazz musicianship at a professional level. Under Parton’s direction, the Two O’Clock Lab Band continues to produce recordings that resonate with both precision and creative vitality, solidifying the school’s role in shaping the future of jazz.