About Me |
| LISTEN AND PURCHASE TRACK BY TRACKPurchase Paoli's CDs Transcend and Mi Tambor
Performing for more than 20 years, Paoli Mejías has already distinguished himself as a young master percussionist and is ranked among the best in both salsa and Latin jazz. Paoli is now at the vanguard of Latin jazz as leader of his own Quintet, and his debut solo CD "Mi Tambor" received a Grammy Award nomination in 2005.
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on March 7, 1970, Paoli was twelve years old when he began to play conga, inspired by the music of "Patato" Valdés, Batacumbele and Irakere. Paoli describes himself as "percusionista de formación callejera", the formation of his musical talent occurred in the streets watching and absorbing the styles of his mentors, and eventually playing along side them. The talented José Ramírez, one of the best Batá players in Puerto Rico, is among Paoli's teachers with whom he studied Afro-Cuban percussion. Paoli has developed a unique style combining technique, melodic rhythmic patterns and his physical strength.As SidemanPaoli's professional career began in his teens, playing with Rafu Warner followed by freelancing with José Nogueras, Glenn Monroig and Charlie Sepúlveda. Paoli's resumé includes top jazz and salsa artists: Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Seis del Solar, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentín, David Sánchez, Danilo Pérez, Chick Corea, Kip Hanrahan, Paquito D'Rivera, Hilton Ruiz, Marc Anthony, Luis Enrique, La India and many others. Paoli's discography includes more than 20 commercial recordings, among them Grammy nominated "Acuarela de Tambores" by Alex Acuña, and Grammy Award winner "Masterpiece" by Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente. Paoli gained international recognition touring around the world as percussionist for the legendary Eddie Palmieri for more than a decade performing in the largest jazz festivals.As Band LeaderIn 2004 Paoli launched his solo career with phenomenal success; his self-produced CD "Mi Tambor" was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM in 2005.Puerto Rican percussion ace Paoli Mejías' self-produced album Mi Tambor is a dynamic fusion of progressive salsa, forward-thinking Latin jazz, and folkloric elements... - Mark Holson of Jazziz Magazine, January 2005.
In this recording, his range of talents becomes clearer as he demonstrates his mastery of Afro-Caribbean percussion instruments (congas, timbales, bongo, buleador, plena drums, etc.), and the integration of music from other cultures. Paoli continues to grow, surprise, and delight listeners who seek quality in their music. - Aguzate.org, November 2005."...This is new generation Latin jazz, informed by a rich and varied palette, and certainly one of the best Latin jazz releases of the year thus far. Very Highly recommended." Bruce Polin, Descarga.comIn 2005 Paoli's Quintet received high accolades from live audiences at Seattle's prestigious jazz club The Triple Door, the San Juan Heineken JazzFest, international music festivals in Venezuela, the En Clave Jazz Festival in Chicago, and other music festivals in St John, USVI and Puerto Rico."The [HotHouse] festivals biggest surprise was PAOLI MEJIAS AND HIS QUINTET. This group took everyone by surprise with their musical skills and energy in their interpretation of modern jazz and fusing it with Caribbean and Latin music. Paoli Mejías is truly becoming a recognizable figure as one of the most talented percussionists on the planet. This group brought the house down." - Carlos Flores, PuertoRicanChicago.Com Newsletter, November 2005.Consistently, each and every review acclaims his ability to fill a venue with his charisma and energetic Afro-Caribbean rhythms bringing the public to their feet. Complimented by the best jazz musicians, Paolis Quintet is creating a new style of Latin Jazz that goes above and beyond the genre in the traditional sense, incorporating unexpected elements of Asian, Greek, Flamenco, and African influences. The result is intriguing and exhilarating; the public becomes enveloped in the tight ensembles passion for music that is a delight to hear, and remarkable to witness in a live setting.In February of 2006 Paoli began recording his second CD at Bennett Studios with the best jazz musicians on the jazz scene: Luis Perdomo on piano, Hans Glawischnig on bass, Antonio Sanchez on drums, Jaleel Shaw and Miguel Zenon on sax. Paolis second CD "Transcend"was scheduled to be released under his own independent label in July and it promises to exceed the success of his first.An experienced clinician, Paoli has given master classes at the University of Washington, the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, Cal State University, and El Batey the Puerto Rican Cultural Center of Chicago, The World Percussion Festival in Seattle, and the Montreal Percussion Festival, among others.Paoli endorses Latin Percussion (congas & percussion), Sabian (cymbals), Remo (drum heads), Vater (drum sticks), and Hansenfutz (practice pedal). |
My Interests |
Music: Member Since: 9/2/2006
Band Website: paolimejias.com
Band Members:
la opinion del publico sobre el nuevo cd Transcend***** Most amazing afro-cuban jazz
Reviewer: Fraettt
Seriously, this is one of the most intriguing, tantalizing jazz records I've heard in a long time. It's drawing heavily from the afro-cuban tradition, but in an unheard way. As a drummer and music lover I am blown away by these dense, very contemporary afro-cuban polyrythmic structures, let alone the song writing and improvising. Everybody seriously interested in high-scale percussion stuff should go and BUY BUY BUY.***** el cd, la pagina,etc. espectacular
Reviewer: juan carlos gil (click for website)
tremendo cd. el sonido y la voz de jerry m. buenisiomo vivo en venezuela pero no consigo el cd, mi tambor si lo tengo,bravo de verdad mi almiracion a paoli que grande eres que ochun te bendiga siempre mi saludo y respeto .***** mitico
Reviewer: simone ropa
veramente molto bello e piacevole!!! good work !!***** Woah! Killin!
Reviewer: Kendall
This is one of the best Latin Jazz Albums I have heard in a long time. Very fresh sounding group and Paoli Just kills it! I mean, wow! Keep it up! Make another album soon!
***** Reviewer: Roberto
Paoli, I picked up your latest cd, Transcend, as soon as it was available on cdbaby.com. I must tell you that it is a true work of art. Bravo! There’s not one bad track on this album but my favorite is track 1, Encomienda. Thank you for sharing your talent with us and please keep up the great work!*****Transcend is really a work of art
Reviewer: Kleber Agelvis
Paoli will transcend with this CD. I have enjoyed, one by one, all songs included in this work of art. If Paoli did not win the Grammy with Mi Tambor, I am sure with Transcend he will. Transcend is one of the best CDs I have had the opportunity to listen to in all my life….as Luis Morales said: This is a must have CD. The quality of this CD is really outstanding, impeccable sound, excellent songs and arrangements, and in few words: a fine repertory of complex technique played with sensibility, but with power and precision at the same time. Good luck Paoli...The Grammy will be in your home.***** Skills, great arrangements, original compositions = remarkable CD
Reviewer: Steve Guasch
I'm the director of Orquesta Nueva Era and a percussionist myself, this CD can not be encased in one single genre. Paoli is known for is impresive skills and blistering speed, however this CD is not just speed, He explores with various time meters and fuses not only Puertorrican and cuban rhytms but world rhytms as well, creating a never before heard sound that is very much Paoli Mejias, a Paoli Mejias Sound. Paoli is a composer and a singer in this Cd as well. Paoli is distancing himself from El club de los rapidos by being unique and knowing when to show his speed and skills and when to let others shine. My favorite tracks are Encomienda, Eshu l'ona (will blow you away) and Oye como suena. You will find speed but that is just the icing on the cake, Everybody shines with their own talent, this is a group effort not just Paoli showcasing is undeniable skills. It would be really easy for someone to say, what can Paoli possibly do next to top his previous effort, Mi Tambor?, Well in my opinion, this CD tops it, and opens the doors to world music and latin jazz fusion.
***** Reviewer: Sammy Alamillo
Your Transcend cd is truly a delight. I am very impressed with the taste of music you have added to this cd. To my ears I think you have captivated a creative flow of music that is very inspiring. Your music gets better and better mi pana. Sammy Alamillo, Seattle***** Compralo Ya, Buy it Now
Reviewer: Wally Gonzalez
Paoli es un maestro, y en esta grabacion te demuestra lo que es passion, talento, corazon, y sentimientos. Este cd es lo mejor que Jazz te puedes ofrecer. No hay nada en este Cd que se puedes mejorar, nada.... Paoli is a master, and on this recording he demonstrates passion,talent, heart, and true sentiments. This is the best Jazz can offer the listener. This Cd cannot possibly be any better that what you hear on it. This Cd is flawless and if you don't have it, what are you waiting for? Get it right now.***** This is what Jazz should sound like
Reviewer: John Baer
I was put onto Paoli Mejias by a co-worker here in Philly. I took his advice and bought Transcend. If this is not the greatest Jazz Cd ever recorded, then I don't know what is. This Cd is Caliente, Caliente, Caliente. Buy it. It's that simple.***** Amazing Jazz
Reviewer: Don Rudge
This is an Amazing Jazz Cd. I love every song on Transcend, but if I had to pick one song as my favorite, it would be El Leon. The talent on this Album is World Class. Paoli is one of the greatest Conga players I have ever heard. Buy this Cd today.***** A Grammy in the making
Reviewer: Luis Morales
This is a must have cd. The compositions on Transcend have Grammy written all over them. Paoli Mejias is a man of talent beyond his time and has some of the greatest musicians on this Masterpiece of jazz. This is a true blessing to the listener as you will hear jazz like never before. As we say in Puerto Rico, Este Cd Es Una Bendicion Para Todo El Mundo. This Cd Is A True Blessing To The World. Believe me when I tell you, this is the greatest Latin Jazz Cd to hit our ears since Mi Tambor, Paoli's first Cd. Order it now, you'll be glad you did.
***** Reviewer: David Atanacio
Every blue moon a great artist its born.Well you missed the blue moon but, Paoli its here to stay & with this cd proving that its one the finest jazz exponent of the 21rst. century.Egbin'pa mi,way to original,Pasaporte,true love for music from the composer & Paolis debut as a singer.great. El leon,fascinating arrangment,tradition & homage to one the greatest puertorrican pop music composers all together.***** It is truly a masterpiece.
Reviewer: John Santos
Paoli, I was wondering what in the world you could invent to follow your last CD, Mi Tambor, which is one of my all time favorites. Well congratulations - you somehow managed to do it with Transcend. It's an amazing CD which is in my humble opinion, your best work to date and will stand the test of time with flying colors! It is truly a masterpiece. The level of creativity, musicianship, writing, and the production in general are such that those who didn't previously know of your artistry will have to join us in saluting you and your great musical colleagues and collaborators. From the standpoint of rhythm and tradition, which are the elements that always move me the most, this project is an eternal lesson. You have captured the best of the worlds of technique, speed and creativity with the solid foundation of a master of tradition. To find the real, down home Bomba, Plena, Palo, Rumba, and Batá, providing the impetus for such adventurous compositions and arrangements is an uncommon treasure indeed. You have a true drummer's heart and the hands to match. Thank you for what will prove to be a milestone and landmark that lovers of Afro-Caribbean music will be proudly talking about and learning from until these fools blow up the planet.
***** Reviewer: Goyo
"Paoli Mejias continues the legacy of Ray Barretto. He is a well-rounded percussionist and band leader that knows who to invite to a session and is willing to take chances. TRANSCEND is a must have for any serious listener of Latin Jazz." Dr. Gregory "Goyo" Pappas***** Trascendental la nueva producción del percusionista Paoli Mejías
Reviewer: Prof Elmer Gonzalez, Radio Universidad (click for website)
Puerto Rican percussionist Paoli Mejías is becoming known for taking on great challenges which bring spectacular results. His first CD “Mi Tambor” was nominated for a Grammy award last year and is considered by the critics of the field to be one of the best Latin Jazz CDs of 2005. In his second CD “Transcend”, Mejías exceeds expectations with a musical jewel that is more elaborate, daring, and mature than his previous CD. It is a musical feast that moves freely in the territories of jazz, world music and its Afro-Caribbean rhythms... ***** El percusionista puertorriqueño Paoli Mejías suele imponerse retos que le proporcionen trabajos espectaculares. Su primer disco “Mi tambor” fue nominado al premio Grammy el año pasado y fue considerado por la crítica especializada como uno de los mejores discos de jazz latino del 2005. En su segundo disco, “Transcend”, Mejías supera todas las expectativas con una joya musical más elaborada, atrevida y madura que su disco anterior. Es una fiesta musical que se mueve libremente en los territorios del jazz, del “World Music” y de los ritmos de origen afroantillanos...HERENCIA LATINA
MEJÍAS VUELVE A LA BATALLA CON “TRANSCEND”
...Con “Transcend”, Mejías sigue demostrando que es capaz de correr solito, y de que a la hora de decir: “Yo sé hacer lo mío”, lo puede decir con autoridad. El hombre tiene su salsa y su jazz bien claritos, y eso no se lo pueden quitar.ESENCIA LATINA
CD OF THE WEEK: PAOLI MEJIAS - TRANSCEND
After a successful release with "Mi Tambor", including a Grammy nomination, percussionist Paoli Mejias throws the door out the window with this tour de force project called "Transcend". Once again Mejias explores a kaleidoscope of rhythms in the 9 tracks recorded. Rhythms from Greece, India and the world over are fused together making it one language for all to understand. Pushing the boundaries of not only the Latin Jazz genre but also Jazz itself, Mejias welcomes to the pot all kinds of influences. A breath of fresh air and a very progressive piece of work. Kudos to Mejias by truly making music universal. Find it at http://cdbaby.com/cd/paolimejias2Paoli Mejias Latin Jazz Quintet-"Live at the Heineken Jazz Festival in Puerto Rico."Paoli Mejias Quintet timbal soloPaoli Mejias Bongo Solo, Yan Carlos Artime pianoPaoli Mejias Quintet - Seattle WA Tony Escapa Drum Solopaoli's master class fita maracay venezuelaPaoli Mejias Quintet - drum solo Henry ColePaoli Mejias-PracticePaoli Mejias Quintet-guest Ralph Irizarry timbal soloPaoli Mejias y su hijo Branliepaoli solo de subidor bomba de PR
Please visit my official website: www.paolimejias.com
Gracias
Sounds Like: Paoli Mejías
2006
Transcend
Rique Colón 2006 Sentido Tropical
Various Artists 2006 Vol 4 Master of Percussion - Compilation
Steve Guasch y su Orquesta Nueva Era 2006 Siguiendo la tradicion
Carlos Cascante y su tumbao 2005 Recuerdos
Anthony Carrillo
2005
Guapería Rumbera
Paoli Mejías Quintet
2005 Live at San Juan Heineken JazzFest
Paoli Mejías
2004
Mi Tambor, Latin Grammy Nominee 2005 -
Puerto Rican All-Stars
2004
Viva la salsa
Various Artists
2004
Dirty Dancing Havana Nights Soundtrack
André Avelino
2004
Aliento de vida / Breath of Life
Luis Marín
2004
Live at Nuyorican Café
Chick Correa 2003 Live at San Juan Heineken JazzFest
Ramón Vázquez
2003
On The Move
Charlie Sepúlveda
2003
Feeling Good Again
Héctor & Tito
2003
Historia Live
Kip Hanrahan
2002
Pinero
Orlando Poleo
2002
Lo bueno de la vida
Luis Marín 2001 Live at San Juan Heineken JazzFest
Nelson González
2001
Pa los treseros
José Nogueras
2001
Cada loco con su tema
Tito Puente & Eddie Palmieri
2000
Masterpiece, Grammy Award Winner
Alex Acuña
2000
Acuarela de Tambores, Grammy Award Nominee
Kip Hanrahan
2000
Deep Rumba
Dikan
1999
Olvida Corazon
Steven Falcon
1999
Conquista
Plena Libre
1999
Juntos y libre
Humberto Ramírez
1999
Puerto Rico Jazz Jam
Eddie Palmieri, Mariano Morales 1998 Live at San Juan Heineken JazzFest
Humberto Ramírez
1998
Treasures
Kip Hanrahan
1998
Shadow Nights, Vol. 2
John Santos & The Machete
1998
Machetazo! Ten Years on the Edge
Eddie Palmieri
1998
Rumbero del piano
Kip Hanrahan
1997
One Thousand & One Nights
Eddie Palmieri
1996
Vortex
Eddie Palmieri
1995
Arete
Tito Puente
1995
Live at Heineken JazzFest Puerto Rico
Seis Del Solar
1995
Alternate Roots
Elliot Feijo 1994 Live at Heineken JazzFest Puerto Rico
José Nogueras
1994
Para tu fiesta
Elba Ramalho
1993
Devora me
You have been marked on my profile map! Click to zoom-in.
Record Label: Paoli Mejias
Type of Label: None |
My Background and Lifestyle |
| Occupation: |
Music Artist (Latin / Jazz / Tropical) |
My Pictures |
|
|
My Friends |
|
Yan Artime, Tony Escapa, Miguel Zenon, Richie Flores, Ricardo Pons, Robert Quintero, Pedrito Martinez, Danila E., Adi, Milly, Luisito Quintero, Svetlana Palada, Ruben Rodriguez, Aldemar Valentin, Mauricio Herrera, Henry Cole, CHI-CHI, Rey De Jesus, Amed, KARL PERAZZO, Gilma, Repercute, Alfredo, osvaldo, danny, Eddie Montalvo, Liza Montanez, LA TRIBU, Jafet, The Official Site of Choco Orta, JJPoyatos, Luis Dulzaides (Percusion), nani, Oliver (Cj) Meneses, Eguie Castrillo and his Orchestra, Franck Al Yamine Cohendet, Rosamil, Compositor Cubano Carbo, CongaBorikua,Representando la percussion en P.R., Manny H, Bryony, Alfredo Gomez Jr., Salzumba Orquesta, Bryony, Samuel 54, Freddie Miranda Jr, Isaiah Rodriguez, Carloco: Clip CANELASON Bientôt sur MTV !!!, Luiz Santos Music, osman, lA PvC, Michael Minor, Cabijazz, Guillaume Campos, Diegoperc, AÑA ADERINNIYI, Danny, Paoli Mejias, abel, Carlos Martín, Raúl, MY QUESTION WHOS SWEATING WHO?, JULIO MONTALVO
Paoli Mejias has 1,525 friends (63 shown). Click here to add Paoli Mejias as a friend.
|
Tags |
|
Paoli Mejias's profile has been tagged with the following keywords. Click a tag to search for profiles with the same tags.
jazz music, latin jazz quintet, music jazz, latin music, music artist, music latin, paoli, rio piedras puerto rico, vanguard, salsa, jazz artist, irakere, debut solo cd, grammy award nomination, master percussionist, tambor, transcend, patato, vald, musical talent
|
Puerto Rico
