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Ray Parker Jr., Paul Brown, Peter White, David Benoit, Paul Jackson Jr. and Brian Simpson are among his buddies illuminating the new soul-jazz album. The first single, “Who You Gonna Call?,” impacts radio.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]MENIFEE (7 June 2018): From beginning to end, saxophonist Michael Paulo’s “Beautiful Day,” is a celebration of love, friendship and the Aloha spirit. Opening with the title track inspired by the joyous news that he was going to become a grandfather and closing with the timeless Carole King ode to friendship, “You’ve Got A Friend,” Paulo’s eleventh solo disc dropped on the Apaulo Productions imprint. The collection is comprised of eight Paulo compositions and five modern classics produced by Paulo with two tracks helmed by two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown. The first single presently collecting radio spins and playlist adds spotlights guitarist Ray Parker Jr. on the aptly titled “Who You Gonna Call?”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/fdzEqhwSKzM” align=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/1GtN0GKGXHk” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Inherent in Paulo’s soulful play emoted through tenor, soprano and alto saxes on “Beautiful Day” is an effervescent spirit, a hallmark that perhaps emanates from the DNA of his Hawaiian blood. A genuine sense of gratitude is another vital element present in his recordings. With that ethos, Paulo crafted a set list that enabled him to record with and feature some of his accomplished friends the likes of which include guitarists Parker Jr., Brown, Peter White and Paul Jackson Jr.; pianist David Benoit, keyboardist Brian Simpson, bassists Freddie Washington and Roberto Vally, percussionist Lenny Castro, and drummers Gorden Campbell and Michael White.
“I truly have the best friends in life that always are there to support me. ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ represents why I am able to do what I do. I hope this record will touch people emotionally. My approach to playing has always been about expressing feeling and emotion and drawing the listener in so that they forget all the stress in their lives. I hope it renews their spirit, so they can continue to be happy and express love. When I perform live, my biggest gratification is when I feel that I have uplifted people emotionally and they can go home feeling good about themselves and life in general. That’s our gift as musicians and I am so blessed to be able to do what I do,” said Paulo.
The album also showcases Paulo’s touring band – a trio of Hawaiians comprised of Kimo Cornwell (keyboards), David Inamine (bass) and Fred Schreuders (guitar) along with drummers Land Richards and Sergio Gonzalez – which will take the stage with Paulo at SoCal hotspot Spaghettini on July 21 to celebrate the release of “Beautiful Day.”
Paulo’s professional career spans more than forty years, and includes gigs playing alongside R&B, pop and jazz headliners Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Mathis, Bobby Caldwell and Rick Braun. He debuted as a solo artist in 1977 with the Japan-only release of “Tat’s in the Rainbow,” an album that highlighted Herbie Hancock on keyboards. Paulo continues his dual career as a solo artist and as a first-call session player-sideman. He also produces concerts and jazz festivals in Hawaii and in the long-time California resident’s home state. These days, Paulo tours frequently with Peter White, who plies his signature delicate acoustic guitar nuances in addition to contributing to the arrangement for “Beautiful Day’s” profound version of Sting’s “Fragile.” The saxman’s longest touring association was with Jarreau, with whom he shared the stage throughout the late crossover crooner’s glory days.
“I recorded ‘Your Song’ as a tribute to Al, who gave me my big break when he hired me for his touring band in 1983. We toured the world together for eleven years and he featured me on his ‘Live in London’ album. I used his arrangement of ‘Your Song’ and David Benoit delivered a heartfelt piano performance. I miss Al.”
Paulo’s “Beautiful Day” album contains the following songs:
“Beautiful Day” featuring Paul Brown
“Mr. Magic” featuring Paul Brown
“Europa”
“Back with the Funk” featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
“Your Song” featuring David Benoit
“Who You Gonna Call?”
“#FromtheHeart”
“Fragile”
“Keiko’s Groove”
“Galaxia”
“Mysterious”
“Fire Dance”
“You’ve Got A Friend”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
“The Beautiful Day” cd is one of the best jazz albums this year. Michael Paul is a legend in his own time and is most deserving of all of his friends and fans helping to celebrate his latest body of work. I give Mr. Paulo a very well-deserved title, ‘Sir” Michael Paulo. Few entertainers of any genre have ignited the emotions that one feels when they listen to his music. His music uplifts, inspires, and reaches the very pinnacle of my soul. In his music, Sir Michael emotes love, friendship and happiness. He is not just an entertainer. I wished I could publish my writings about Mr. Paulo. He always speaks of his love and compassion for others, along with helping young artists to realize their dreams. He raises money for charities and even gives scholarships to help artists further their studies in the genre. Most people with the great gifts and talents he retains, are selfish and only think of themselves. The very fact that this wonderful man, instead of just making money, takes the time to devote his life, time and talents to others is noteworthy. This year for Christmas, I shall be giving his new cd as gifts to my friends. I have told so many people about Mr. Paulo and they all keep trying to take my personal copy of his new cd. Sir Michael will always have my love and respect. Merry Christmas Michael, to you and your wonderful family.