One of the most versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 30 years, Michael Paulo has added his distinct saxpertise to a virtual who's who of artists, including Al Jarreau (Paulo's longest term touring association), James Ingram, No. 1 Smooth Jazz Trumpeter and guitarist Rick Braun and Peter White, Oleta Adams, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Carl Anderson, Bobby Caldwell, Johnny Mathis and more. Paulo grew up in a musical family (his father a pianist, his mother a singer, his siblings all playing instruments) and though he came upon the sax relatively late at age 15, he quickly became first horn player in his high school band and was playing professional gigs around the islands within a few years. Rather than accept a scholarship to North Texas State, he chose a more adventurous road by joining Hawaiian pop/rock band Kalapana, which had some success on the mainland but was most popular in Japan. After playing regularly and recording on all four of Kalapana's albums from 1975 through 1979, Paulo recorded a solo album for Japanese release on Trio records. In addition to exposing him to the Japanese jazz audience, Tats in the Rainbow gave him the opportunity to work with legendary pianist Herbie Hancock.
Paulo moved to Los Angeles in 1981 and quickly established himself by playing with percussionist Ray Armondo and a local R&B outfit featuring members of Rufus. Two years later, he caught his big break when Al Jarreau hired him for his touring band. The young saxman became an integral part of the Jarreau experience while touring the world for the next decade. Paulo also gained international recognition as a result of his work on Jarreau's famed "Live in London" release.
In 1988 Paulo recorded his first Major solo release One Passion on MCA records which was critically acclaimed as one of the most influential recordings in contemporary Jazz. He has since released eight solo projects with the latest beign a collaboration with David Benoit and the Magenta Orchestra. Michael Paulo’s reputation as the No. 1 Asian American Jazz artist continues with each new year. He has also toured extensively in the Far East performing for the Sultan of Brunei and the Royal Family of Thailand. Michael is also popular in Japan where he has performed with numerous well known Japanese artists over the years such as: Namie Amuro, Eikichi Yazawa, Anri, Mari Ijima, Globe, Atsushi from Exile and more! A dynamic live performer Michael has constantly left his audiences wanting more. His emotive playing and endearing style has never failed to capture the hearts of his fans all over the world. Michael Paulo has continued to build his status as one of the most dynamic saxophonist in the world.
Michael is currently an artist in residence at one of the largest Music Festivals in the world The Java Jazz Festival. Currently Michael is producing his 9th annual Temecula Wine and Music Festival and his 3rd annual Pacific Rim Jazz Festival in Hawaii. His company Apaulo Music Productions is also involved in producing numerous Jazz concert events in California and Hawaii. As he swings into 2013 and beyond, it's a good bet that he'll be bringing his passion along for quite some time. As he says, "Music is always going to evolve, and it's up to the artist to respond gracefully to the changes. We don't know what the music will sound like years from now, but no matter what, it will be based on what the people in the audience feel."
Mel Martin is a composer, arranger, bandleader, saxophone and flute player--one of the most versatile and creative musicians to ever emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area. In his long career, Mel has played a part in many of the innovative movements that have come out of that creative community. He sat in with Wes Montgomery and his brothers while he was still a teenager, played in John Handy's Freedom Band in 1962, worked and recorded with many of the progressive rock and Latin rock bands of the late 60s and early 70s including The Loading Zone, Cold Blood, Azteca and Boz Scaggs. In 1976 Mel founded the award-winning Listen, one of the early West Coast jazz-fusion bands. He is currently artistic director of Bebop and Beyond, a group he founded in 1983, as well as leading the Mel Martin Band, The Tenor Conclave, the Mel Martin Big Band and the Benny Carter All Star Tribute Band.
Mel recently completed a new Mel Martin Band recording, "Where The Warm Winds Blow," in July 2008 with jazz pianist Don Friedman, guitarist Brad Buethe, bassist Robb Fisher, drummer extraordinaire Jeff Marrs and special guests including John Santos on percussion and Barry Finnerty on guitar. On many of the pieces, Mel overdubbed special woodwind arrangements appropriate to the particular composition or just featured the sextet and quartet.
Martin's previous album, Just Friends, (Downbeat ****) was a live recording by the Mel Martin/Benny Carter Quintet. Its release was timed to coincide with Carter's 100th birthday. The sessions were cut live at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland in 1994 and feature Carter on alto sax; Martin on sax and flute; Roger Kellaway on piano; bassist Jeff Chambers and drummer Harold Jones.
Mark credits his prolific sound to a rich appreciation for the Gospel music that resounded through his parents' Baltimore home. (His father was Pastor of his hometown Mt. Zion Church.) Mark earned a BA Degree in Music Performance at Berklee College of Music. Two of Berklee's best professors, Joe Viola and Bill Pierce, helped fine-tune his musicianship. Upon graduation in 1988, Mark Gross began his musical caravan in JAZZ.
"I have had the pleasure to play Yanagisawa saxophones for many years now and have found it to be the best saxophone built during my lifetime. I proudly play Yanagisawa saxophones for the resonance of its sound, the fluidity of its table mechanism, and the durability of the instrument. Hands down, it's the best saxophone on the planet." Mark Gross
Saxophonist and composer Hisaaki Kanzaki was born in Kochi Prefecture. His love for the saxophone began in junior high school, influenced by such artists as Sadao Watanabe, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Art Pepper to name but a few.
Upon graduating from university, Kanzaki formed Kanzaki on the Road, a group that became a leading force behind Japan's fusion boom. In 1980 he released his debut album, "Open My Road" from Nippon Phonogram (Mercury Records). Following that he released two more albums before going to the US in 1986, where he participated in numerous sessions.
In 1988, Kanzaki teamed up with Russ Freeman & The Rippingtons, Rickey Minor, David Benoit, David Garfield, Phil Perry, and others and released the album "KANZAKI." On returning to Japan he became involved in the music production field, working on many theme tunes for commercials and TV.
Some years back, Michael White (from the George Benson and David Sanborn band) recorded "So Far Away," a Kanzaki composition. Around that time, Kanzaki gained widespread acclaim as a composer when his album title tune hit ninth place on the US jazz charts (radio and records).
Kanzaki went on to establish international projects including "Asian Soul Brothers" with best friend Michael Paulo (sax). Within Tokyo’s club scene, he joined forces with music producers Keigo Tanaka and Asako Toki in 2003 to produce compilations as the rockboys & feat.kzsax, creating the "buffet style."
In 2005 he brought out the sounds of "Otemachi Cafe" under his own label, Real Play Records. The following year saw Kanzaki issue a re-release of "KANZAKI" along with "OZONIC," a work featuring string quartet.
In the course of his prominent and successful career, Kanzaki has developed a deep passion for collaboration with international artists inside and outside Japan, and in that spirit has frequently served as a special lecturer at Musashino Art University.
His unconventional image and music style continue to grow and influence others within the music scene.
Alto saxophonist Justin Robinson was born August 14, 1968, in Manhattan.
He first picked up a horn at the age of 13, and honed his sound while attending the High School of Music and Arts (LaGuardia High School) in New York.
Robinson developed a passion for the alto sax and, from the influences of Charlie Parker and Jackie McLean, crafted his own distinctive sound. Robinson has collaborated with eminent artists such as the Harper Brothers, Cecil Brooks III, Abbey Lincoln, Diana Ross, Little Jimmy Scott, and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, The Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band, and most recently, The Roy Hargrove Big Band in addition to the Roy Hargrove Quintet.
Justin Robinson wields a hefty portfolio: joined Harper Brothers at 18, debuted on Verve at 22, a decade's-worth of star sideman gigs. All of that hang-time paid off with his 1998 recording The Challenge on Arabesque Records. Penning six of the compositions, selecting an inspired posse of young ringers (Ron Blake, tenor sax; Stephen Scott, piano; Dwayne Burno, bass; Dion Parsons, drums), Robinson also produced the whole shebang. Robinson also released as a solo artist Justin Time in 1991 with Verve Music Group label. It was produced by Bobby Watson, who also appears on the recording, in addition to Gary Bartz, on alto saxophones, and includes more young ringers of that time: Eddie Henderson - trumpet; Kenny Barron, Stephen Scott - pianos; Peter Washington - bass; Lewis Nash - drums.
Justin Robinson lives in New Jersey and is currently touring with trumpeter Roy Hargrove.
Jean-Denis Michat studied saxophone, composition, new technologies and music history at the Paris Superior Conservatory (C.N.S.M.P) from 1990 to 1999. At the early age of 24, he was appointed saxophone professor at the “Conservatoire National de Lyon” and promoted one year later to assistant professor at C.N.S.M.P.
Jean-Denis Michat has appeared both as a saxophone soloist and in several ensembles and philharmonic Orchestras throughout the world. He is today, one of the most famous saxophonists playing “a la francais”, and has dedicated himself to ensure a greater acceptance of the saxophone in classical music.
As a composer, his compositions are played by numerous professional ensembles including the Toulouse Capitole National Orchestra, Calliope Choir and the Ensemble Itineraire.
He had the chance to meet KarlHeinz Stockhausen who fascinated him and was a major influence in his musical development. Following the advice and moderating influence of other notable teachers, Michat developed a deeper understanding of composition that led to his individual approach to musical timing.
Having taken part as a saxophonist in many premieres, he has built up valuable expertise in the development of new work as seen ”from the inside”. His double concerto, created in Paris in 2009, marked the beginning of a new collaboration of composer/improviser/performer with his old friend Fabrizio Mancusso.
Jean-Denis Michat has worked very closely with the Yanagisawa Saxophone Company in Japan since he started playing them in 1997. His choice of saxophones are A-9930 Alto, S-9930GP Soprano and T-992 with Neck #95 Tenor.
Frank Vaganée was born on March 19, 1966 in Mechelen, Belgium.
He received a classical education at the Conservatory of Mechelen and the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp (1974-1985).
Frank took improvisation lessons from American jazz saxophonist John Ruocco at the Antwerp Jazz Studio (1983-1986) and studied composition and arranging techniques at the Musikhochshule in Cologne with Bob Brookmeyer (1993-1995).
He moved in 1998 to New York to study there.
Since 1983 Frank leads his own bands and composes for large and small orchestras.
He worked freelance with the BRT Jazz Orchestra and BRT Big Band. (Belgian Radio and Television) (1986-1991)
Frank was a member of "The Timeless Orchestra" from the Netherlands which he toured throughout Europe and Japan. (1989-1993)
He represented Belgium in 1989 in the EBU-big band (European Broadcasting Union) in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Italy).
In 1991 Frank was elected by the Belgian Jazz Press as greatest jazz talent.
In 1993 he won the "CERA Youth and Music Prize".
In 1994 he won together with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra the "Prix Nicolas d'Or".
In 2001, Frank won the prize "Django d'Or".
In 2006, Frank won together with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra the "Flemish Culture Prize".
In 2011 he won the "Jazzmozaïk Award".
On April 1, 2011 Frank was appointed as City Artist of his city Mechelen for two years.
In this capacity, he realized numerous projects in his hometown including; A jazz oratorio "Say, sing it, this city are we" in collaboration with poet Roger De Neef, due to the Newtopia festival, "The end of the world" a play in collaboration with theater ' t Arsenaal, "Serendipity" a musical score in addition to the exhibition of artist painter Beniti Cornelis. Compositions for the Mechelen carillon, "Scattered Rhymes" a project in collaboration with Zefiro Torna, numerous workshops in collaboration with the Municipal conservatory.
In 2012 he won with the BJO an Oscar for "Best original film score" for their cooperation in the realization of the soundtrack for the film "The Artist"
Since its founding, Frank has been the artistic director of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra (www.brusselsjazzorchestra.com) and freelance work in many other bands.
Frank has collaborated in the making of the book "Toots 90", the program "Jazz Middelheim" (summer 2012) and numerous articles in the Belgian press and jazz press.
Frank Vaganée taught from 1987 to 1990 at the Jazz Studio (vzw Halewijn Foundation) in Antwerp.
From 1992 to 1994 he taught jazz saxophone at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam.
From 1993-2004 taught saxophone and jazz ensemble playing at the Royal Conservatory in Ghent.
From 1993 until now teaches saxophone jazz, ensemble playing, and big band arrangement at the LUCA School of arts department Lemmens Institute in Leuven.
He gives numerous workshops and master classes.
Frank is also an endorser for Yanagisawa saxophones and Vandoren mouthpieces and reeds.
Musician, Composer, Producer, Soprano, alto, tenor and baritone sax, Bass guitar and Vocals
Frank was born in Kortrijk (Belgium) on June 18, 1968 and started playing the saxophone at the age of 12. Soon he was influenced by a number of "greats of the earth" from the jazz, pop and rock-circuit, including Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, Junior Walker, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Peter Erskine, Michael Brecker, Jan Garbarek, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Prince, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Police and many others. Already at a young age, Frank was considered as a great talent in the Belgian music-scene and he experienced a great deal of on the road with various jazz, pop, rock and funk ensembles.
At the age of 18, Frank wins the knack Youth Jazz Trophy, awarded by Toots Thielemans in the Casino of Ostend.
Frank taught at the music academy in Kortrijk, the music academy in Overijse, Tervuren and Hoeilaart, the conservatorium of Ghent and the jazz studio in Antwerp.
Since 2006, Frank teaches saxophone and combo at the summer music camp in Dworp, by request of Maarten Weyler. Frank met Carlo Mertens (trombone) and Nico Schepers (Trumpet); after a bunch of productions and collaborations, Carlo, Frank and Nico decided to found a 3 piece Horn section.
The first real horn section in Belgium was born: The Heavy Horns. This section has built up a strong reputation. Always searching for sound, energy, perfection, fun, evolution and friendship. The Heavy Horns played on countless national and international productions (cd, TV recordings + live performances.)
Frank met Piet Goddaer (Ozark Henry). They compose music together for the CD "Sunzoo Manley: To All Our Escapes .Frank plays tenor sax and clarinet. Stephane Galland (Aka Moon, Joe Zawinul syndicate) plays the drums on this one. Piet produces. This CD is released on the Epic label and is distributed by Sony.
Frank was given the honor to play the saxophone solo on the BELGIUM / 175 YEARS event in Brussels. Belgium and the whole Royal family witnessed an unforgettable moving and magical moment. After a gig, Frank meets Michel Bisceglia (Fellow musician, composer, arranger and president of Prova Records). Plans and ideas pop up to record a first solo CD.
In 2012 Frank records his first acoustic solo CD: Frank Deruytter Quartet. Frank writes all compositions. Line up on this CD: Peter Erskine (Drums), Eric Legnini (piano), Bart Denolf (Contrabass)
This CD was released in April 2013 on PROVA RECORDS, fine label of Michel Bisceglia.
Frank is someone who has always been distinguished by his exceptional sound, openness, soul and diversity in style.
Frank is a very popular and demanded soloist, and tours all over the world without a break.
Frank is endorser of Yanagisawa saxophones and Vandoren reeds.
Diploma in Saxophone, conferred in October 2001 at the Conservatorio "G. Puccini" in La Spezia (Italy).
Soloist and Performance Diploma “Licenziate of the Royal School of Music”, conferred in May 2002 in Milano (Italy).
Diploma in Pedagogy, conferred in June 2003 at the Helvetic Music Intitute in Bellinzona (Swiss).Highest degree with honorable mention - AGSMD(P), conferred in November 2003, at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama - Trinity College, in London (England).
Post degree improver courses with: Claude Delangle, Arno Bornkamp, Vincent David, Jean-Denise Michat, Philippe Braquart, Christian Wirth, Damien Royannais, François Lèclaircie, Masataka Hirano, Fabrizio Mancuso, Mario Ciaccio.As first Saxophone, contributions with: Orchestra Sinfonica di Savona, Orchestra Sinfonica Paganini, Orchestra Sinfonica di Asti, Big Band di Chiavari.As soloist, contributions with several chamber music groups, contemporary music laboratories, duo Saxophone & Piano and Saxophone & Organ concerts.
Founding member of the Saxophone quartet "SaxUPO": several unreleased songs have been recorded with this quartet. Founding member, Manager and Artistic Director of the "Choir and Orchestra of the University of Piemonte Orientale" in 2005: this group has been considered, at the moment, one of the most original ad interesting Orchestra in the whole italian panorama.
Guest director in several italian theaters.Musical arrangements, transcriptions and didactical works have been published by "Boario Edizioni Musicali".
Playing Yanagisawa since 1996.
Dieter Limbourg, born February 17th, 1971
Studied classical saxophone at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent (Belgium).
Studied jazz-saxophone & flute at the Hilversum Conservatory (The Netherlands) with Ferdinand Povel.
Private studies with Etiene Verschueren, Jim Snidero & John Ruocco.
Several European tours with R&B legend Rufus Thomas in the early nineties. Played in 1996-1997 with Belgian R&B band Blue Blot (also playing as support act for Tina Turner’s “Wildest Dreams”-tour)
Represented the Flemish Radio in the EBU-big band (European Broadcasting Union) in Amsterdam in 2001.
Former member of the Tony Bauwens quartet & sextet, Tars Lootens Quartet.
Worked for the Flemish and Dutch television in numerous broadcasts, shows, concerts etc.
Active as free-lance musician (with a.o. Charles Loos, Jean-Louis Rassinfosse, Salvatore La Rocca, Paolo Radoni, Marc Godfroid, Phil Abraham, Richard Rousselet, Jean Warland, Félix Simtaine , Jan De Haas, Michel Herr, Bruno Castellucci, Toots Thielemans, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, Calvin Owens, Shirley Bassey,...) and as a recording musician (a.o. with Maurane, Claude Nougaro, Vanessa Paradis...)
A member of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra since 1999 (recordings & concerts all over the world with a.o. Kenny Werner, Bill Holman, Bert Joris, Toots Thielemans, Philip Cathérine,Tom Harrell, Kenny Wheeler, Maria Schneider, Bob Mintzer, Dave Liebman, Gianluigi Trovesi, Wallace Roney, Dave Douglas, Richard Galliano, David Linx, Joe Lovano…).
He also regularly composes and arranges for the same orchestra.
Leader of his own quartet & sextet.
Teacher of jazz-woodwinds and ensemble at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent between 2003 and 2006.
Currently teaching jazz-woodwinds, ensemble and jazz-harmony/arranging at the Brussels Highschool of the Arts.
Selected discography
Brussels Jazz Orchestra - The September Sessions (De Werf, 1999)
Brussels Jazz Orchestra – The Music of Bert Joris (De Werf, 2001)
Kenny Werner + Brussels Jazz Orchestra (JazzImpuls, 2003)
BJO + Maria Schneider + Toots Thielemans (The Days of Wine & Roses)
High Voltage Sextet – Hoppin’ Around (De Werf, 2004)
Brussels Jazz Orchestra + Philip Catherine & Bert Joris – Meeting Colours ( FDM 36675-2, 2005)
Brussels Jazz Orchestra + deFilharmonie – Dangerous Liaison (DOM 2910 900 SP, 2006)
Brussels Jazz Orchestra – Countermove (W.E.R.F. 054, 2006)
Brussels Jazz Orchestra + David Linx – Changing Faces (0+127, 2007)
Brussels Jazz Orchestra + Richard Galliano (W.E.R.F. 2008)
Brussels Jazz Orchestra + Tutu Puoane – “Mama Africa”
Brussels Jazz Orchestra + David Liebman – “Guided Dream”
Brussels Jazz Orchestra + Bert Joris – “Signs & Signatures”
Brussels Jazz Oechestra + Joe Lovano - “Wild Beauty”
Numerous recordings for pop and rock artists all over Europe.
