LOS
ANGELES (www.johnparismusic.com) - Northern California: After 40 years
of playing alongside renowned entertainers including
Bobby Vinton, Eddy
Arnold, the
Moody Blues and Bob Newhart, smooth jazz/new age pianist
John Paris has released his solo debut cd
Journey of Soul. The album,
comprised entirely of original material, reveals an artist who is an
adept composer as well as a masterful musician.
Journey of Soul
takes the discriminating listener and spiritual seeker through an
odyssey of moods and emotions that are often powerful and uplifting,
and occasionally light and humorous. While instrumental albums
frequently highlight a single theme, Paris' music is dynamic, leading
the listener through a full spectrum of feelings. Paris explains, "The
music has to have development and go somewhere, not just repeat the
same motives
everywhere."
Paris draws upon 40 years as an
entertainer for the polished debut album. He has studied with Byron
Peterson (student of Nadia Boulanger),
Dennis Sandoli (who has taught
John Coltrane and the Brecker Brothers), and Frank Leone (conductor for
Red Skelton and Engelbert Humperdink.) As a member of the house band at
the Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City, he played alongside many of the
casino's headliners. He has performed with the Minneapolis Symphony and
has appeared on the Merv Griffin Show, and the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
After
decades spent developing himself as an engaging entertainer, John Paris
takes his focus inward on
Journey of Soul. Many of the melodies were
improvised or came to Paris in a stream of consciousness, which in
itself was a journey for the pianist. "I believe that music is a part
of the divine sound current which sustains all life," says Paris.
Fans
of
Journey of Soul have praised the music for its brilliance and its
restorative qualities. "The CD is filled with really touching music.
The collection and format allows the listener to be taken away on a
truly soulful journey. Thanks, John," writes reviewer Denise McIntyre
on cdbaby.com. On Smother.net, reviewer J-Sin writes, "John Paris is an
instrumental artist whose special play of the piano creates an
atmosphere that many musicians hope to accomplish just once in their
career."
Paris expects to release two follow-up albums in 2005:
Reflections, and Joy of Soul. He has just launched his website
johnparismusic.com.
For more information, or to purchase music, please visit:
www.johnparismusic.com
