So, who are these cats called BPM? Just three humble dudes, who love to play and yearn to hang out with one another equally as much and who have absolutely no room for drama. Seriously! Grammy-nominated and hit-making bassist Brian Bromberg, two-time Grammy- winning guitarist and producer Paul Brown and show-stopping and chart-topping saxophone sensation Michael Paulo (BPM), have joined forces for the first time as a unit on a recording for their anticipated and riveting new album Seriously, available everywhere on Shanachie Entertainment September 27, 2024.
Brown’s vision for the trios new recording was simple, “To make the record we all have wanted to record after 30 plus years of making records. We have no constraints or have anything to prove. The music is just solid and from the heart.” Collectively this triumvirate of musical powerhouses have been first call for such iconic artists as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Sting, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Stan Getz, and Sarah Vaughan, among countless others. Brian Bromberg reveals why BPM is a match made in heaven, “I bring the bagels, Paul brings the wine, and Michael brings his golf clubs and dancing shoes! We all really do bring something different to the table.”
Paul Brown confesses that the idea was born after the trio performed together in Punta Mita, Mexico. He shares, “I wanted Brian in the band because I was so impressed with his playing and compositions. It's nice to have someone that can blow the roof off when he solos. Michael is just a great all-around player who has exceptional stage presence.” Michael Paulo chimes in, “Because I am playing with two stiff guys, somebody has got to move around onstage and that’s me. I am also the man in the middle when two geniuses clash, I chill them with my Hawaiian laid back, ‘ain't no big thing bruddah’ attitude.”
The album’s captivating first single “Seriously?” is a declaration of Bromberg, Brown, and Paulo’s intent to leave no question unanswered. Can they swing? Yes! Do they bring the funk? Yes! Can you dance to Jazz? Yes! The trio is augmented by a gritty and soulful horn section which catapults the bluesy number to a new dimension as BPM stretches out with Paul Brown’s funky licks, Michael Paulo’s swinging tenor and Bromberg’s slap-happy bass.
With the release of BPM’s Seriously, Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo are ready to hit the road and spread the good news. Look out for tour dates coming soon. Bromberg concludes, “If BPM has the ability, even on a small scale to make people happy, to make them move or make them sing, then we are playing a very little part in trying to bring people from all walks of life and stories together. That to me is an honor.” Paulo shares the same vision to emotionally connect with their audience stating, “Music is about how you make people feel and communicating emotion. When you accomplish that you have fulfilled your purpose. Paul Brown concludes, “We're all kind of in the same place in our lives where we only want to do special things that make us happy and that leave us satisfied. It's not about money or fame. Pure musicality.”