Faulise

Paul Faulise, a native of Buffalo, New York, first became known to jazz audiences for his work with Kai Winding's trombone septet but can also be heard on the recordings of such jazz luminaries as Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Peterson, Art Farmer, Jimmy Smith, Quincy Jones, and Benny Goodman. He is also one of the most in-demand studio musicians, having played on thousands of recording sessions including countless jingles, feature films, TV and movie soundtracks, and a twenty-year tenure with Frank Sinatra. In 1987 and 1989, the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences named Paul, "Most Valuable Player."

Paul is one of the greatest bass trombonists of our time as well as being one of the greatest musicians and persons I have ever met. I first heard Paul play when a teacher of mine suggested that I switch to bass trombone because I had a good low register and then handed me a copy of Quincy Jones' Quintessence, and Jimmy Smith Christmas '64. Well I was completely blown away. Paul's playing had such an impact on me that I knew that I wanted to be a bass trombonist. When you listen to him play, whether live or on recordings, his sound is big, dark, and rich; but most of all, it's musical.

I first met Paul in the fall of 1991, while I was on tour with Louis Bellson in Europe. Paul was doing a ten-week tour with the Phillip Morris Super Band, and we both played the Maastricht jazz festival in Holland. He has inspired me as well as countless other musicians because of the kind of person and musician he is. There is simply no one better.

I had the extreme pleasure of interviewing Paul at his beautiful home in Rivervale, NJ on June 30, 2008. He has lived there for 45 years with his lovely wife, Karen. There, they raised two daughters and now have four grandchildren.

Jack Schatz