About Me
Paul Cortes is a well accomplished songwriter who grew up in White Plains, NY. Immigrating from his home in Colombia with his mother and younger sister in 1984, he'd grown up listening to influences such as Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Chopin, The Beatles, The Ramones, The Clash, Muddy Waters, Simon & Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Neil Young, Sublime, and A Tribe Called Quest, and many of these elements influenced his songwriting. Paul shares a like-minded interest in the craft of breathing life and energy into solid, well-honed songs.At age 9 he began to study classical piano under the private instruction of Ruth Schonthal of Julliard School of Music. He later enrolled at Maness Conservatory School of music studying, theory, composition, ear training and singing in the choir. He later learned to play acoustic guitar at 18 where he began to find a more humble organic sound that conveys life down to earth. Being involved in many school talent shows and plays, he has always maintained his ambition and craving to perform for his live audiences.By playing live shows up and down the East Coast, Paul Cortes has established himself as a creative force to be reckoned with. He sparks on stage and creates an energy so infectious it's hard to withstand. Before you know it, the audience is laughing, moving and singing along.What makes Paul Cortes unique is his rich tapestry of creative expression that draws its inspiration from reggae’s diverse influences to American rhythms that are completely original. The leadership of pianist/guitarist/songwriter Paul Cortes has a powerful ability to move the soul. Along with his free flowing touches and feels on the keys, his highly personal and poetic lyrics speak of a hope for peace and unity amid all the distress in the world today.In his later years finding him self through smoky bars such as the Green Saloon’s “jazz open mic†to hosting his own open mic at Colorado Brewery in Danbury, Ct. He always continues to lend his time and effort to the local music scene in New York City, Connecticut, and Philadelphia.
