A saxophonist with a 'BIG' versatile sound that holds experience and commands attention!
From sight-singing Latin and playing classical piano, to composition, arranging and music production, Paul's skills have served him throughout his career and beyond the present. It is through his saxophone playing however that most people know of him, his versatility and passion for the instrument, from early Jazz genres to modernity in music.
Paul's music career started with piano Grade 3 and cathedral choir at aged seven, Head of Decani by 14 and years later with an Oxford 'A' Level Piano recital of pieces by Chopin, Debussy and Mozart from memory. En-route to this at sixteen, he joined his first rock band in 1986 playing keyboards and singing backing vocals featuring music by Dire Straits, Marillion, It Bites, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and others. Equipment used at that time - Roland D20/SH1000, Yamaha DX7 & KORG Poly 800.
He studied saxophone from 1992 which resulted in several opportunities to appear as a guest at 'Blaydon Jazz Club' at the Black Bull in Blaydon on Tyne, on Thursdays. This venue was and still is run by guitarist Roly Veitch and continues to this day, albeit monthly. In 1996 Paul moved to Scotland to study Biomedical Science at Napier University.
While studying, Paul established himself as a session/function saxophonist and teacher in Edinburgh playing with jazz combos, world and Celtic music ensembles, folk musicians and was integral to several Musicians' albums such as Kenny Miller's 'Millernium' and Guy Heath's album 'September'. He formed a jazz duo with pianist Mark Goundry playing twice a week at The Sheraton Hotel and also in restaurants around the city. 'Henry's Cellar Bar' and 'The Jazz Bar' on Chambers Street were regularly played by Paul and Mark's band 'The Jazz Incident', a jazz/funk fusion outfit that had performances at the Leith Jazz Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
On his return to Tyneside in 2003, Paul commenced playing at 'The Jazz Cafe' in Pink Lane, Newcastle. Invitations from local jazz musicians were taken up and the music developed into running the Friday music there with his band The Marco-Paolo Quartet and as the altoist with the Don Forbes' Safe Sextet. He has recorded on band Mamacoca's album 'Secrets', guitarist Andy Hardy's album 'Easy Tiger' and taught at the Sage Gateshead, Gateshead College and has appeared on many degree students' final performances.
Currently, Paul is established as one of the top saxophonists in the North East as well as being a member of Eddie Bellis' Lickety Split. He continues to work in a session/live environment and as deputy saxophonist to many function bands. Presently, Paul is writing for his original band 'A Priori Sid Scott', in memory of his colleague and bass player, the late Ray Truscott.
