Paul English

composer/pianist/producer/educator
Born in Denton, Texas, in the latter half of the 20th century (!) and grew up in Refugio and San Antonio, Texas.
Music studies at the University of Miami and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University (BM, MM). Studied music composition with the late Paul Cooper.
Currently residing in Houston, Texas.
Jazz, classical, crossover, blues, R & B, C & W… etc.
Mixed genre: music with poetry, literature, photography, painting, film, etc…
Current projects:
• Rehearsing and arranging my new jazz/baroque vocal group. I love this! Official debut performance: November 20 in Houston. More later...• I recently took over as music director for the 12:30 pm jazz/gospel service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Houston. Not only playing and directing but writing choral arrangements every week. I can't help but be a little amused and awed that I am at least in this small way following the tradition of the masters. In my younger days I never envisioned finding such joy in choral arranging and composition.
Recently completed:
• CD for Catherine Woodruff, a business professional in the financial world who grew up performing with a mom who both played piano and sang as a pro from a very young age. Jazz standards from the voice of this lovely lady - with a nice string orchestra on some cuts as well!
• CD for singing artist Todd Miller for release later this year. Contemporary symphonic pop, I would guess. I enjoyed orchestrating for strings and winds for Todd's big, classically well-trained voice. Now, finally, a release date: April 18! Congratulations Todd!
• My 9th Jazz Mass was completed and presented in Hawaii in February 2010. I had thought it was 10 but don't talk to me when I have a writing deadline... This one featured some of the sacred music recorded by Mahalia Jackson. For jazz septet and choir, this was the finale to the St. Michael's and All Angels Jazz Festival in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, Feb 5-7, 2010. An exhilarating performance and a great festival. The people of Kauai are superb!
• CD for Willie Nelson also featuring Johnny Bush & Ray Price. "Young at Heart" is due to be released sometime soon on Lonesome Highway Records. Mostly jazz standards and very cool! Playing piano & keyboards, wrote and conducted horn and string arrangements. Engineered by the great Andy Bradley and recorded 100% in Texas.
• Original music for "Old Stories", a stage musical written by former major league pitcher and former Houston Astro manager, Larry Dierker.