Sunnie Paxson - Contemporary jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, producer and educator.
She returns to her solid jazz roots with this straight-ahead jazz trio record "Bohemian Sun" which was produced by Grammy–award-winning bassist Stanley Clarke released on his Roxboro Entertainment Group label. The trio consists of Sunnie, Stanley Clarke/bass and Ronald Bruner, Jr./drums.
Special guest percussionist Munyungo Jackson joins the trio on a few songs as well as a string section. Amidst this collection of jazz music there is included one inspirational/gospel composition written by Sunnie featuring the ever so soulful vocal artist Rod Maurice and a choir.
"Give a listen to Sunnie Paxson. She is a tremendous pianist and a very talented composer. She has recorded and toured with me and she has an extensive knowledge of music" ~ Stanley Clarke
Sunnie's work has been heard in films and television networks including the smash hit "Desperate Housewives", promotional spots for NBC, ABC and NBC, Days of our Lives, coverage of The Olympics, Telemundo, Fox Sports Net and the Super Bowl.
A native of Philadelphia, Sunnie was drawn to the piano and played as soon as she could stand and reach the keys. Great music filtered into Sunnie's ears at an early age from her grandfather who played the violin and piano and her father's jazz collection. Unknowingly, they were a source of inspiration that ignited a life long passion.
She studied at the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and Berklee College of Music. Her skills were honed by studies with world-renowned teachers such as: French jazz pianist Bernard Peiffer, Jimmy Amadie and Ray Santisi.
A road warrior, Sunnie toured with legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke. She has recorded and/or shared the stage with many other jazz greats including Danny Gottlieb, Doug Webb, Rick Braun, Michael Paulo, Everett Harp, John Patatucci, Jerry Brown, Larry Carlton and Justo Almario.
Sunnie explains that . . .
"Writing, producing arranging and performing are all facets of the art of music that I love. It's like giving a party. You get to start from the bottom up. My goal is to make people feel good." She takes the joys and the heartbreaks of life and transforms them into songs of expression of the human condition - a gift in the jazz genre, which is unique and refreshing.
In the world of radio Sunnie is known on stations throughout the US as well as internationally due to her successful debut solo album, Groove Suite, which contained the ultimate feel-good single "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)," featuring longtime friend Clarke on bass. Jazz Week listed Sunnie as one of the top 100 artists with the most spins for two years during the peak run of this CD. Sunnie was voted one of "Los Angeles' Best Jazz Performers" in Los Angeles Magazine.
"Sunnie Paxson's new release "Bohemian Sun" contains everything that makes an album stand out to me: melodic original compositions mixed in with new takes on some standards, with nimble piano playing, harmonic sophistication, virtuosic accompaniment, gorgeous arrangements. An early candidate for "Record of the Year" in 2012! I'm drawn into this record more every time I spin it!"
Dr. Brad Stone, Music Director, KSJS-FM, San Jose
From the opening notes of "Seabound", I had a feeling that this was going to be an enjoyable listening experience and my ears did not disappoint me. Sunnie's Bohemian Sun recording not only showcases her piano playing at the highest level but also puts her compositional skills on display. Add in Stanley Clarke as bassist/producer as well as some strings and you have one of 2012's top jazz recordings thus far."
Eric Cohen- Music Director-WAER 88.3- Syracuse, NY
Sunnie Paxson's "Bohemian Sun" shines bright in a musical landscape awash of any predictability. Showcasing her compositional skills, not to mention those killer chops, the project sheds light on who this award-winning artist really is. Add to this the bass lines and productions skills of Stanley Clarke and you've got a recording that radiates with clarity, soulfulness and purpose. Needless the say, "Bohemian Sun" will definitely brighten up your day.
Joe Zupan WICN 90.5/WICN.org Jazz + for New England
We loved having Sunnie on our line-up at Concerts by the Bay... she puts on a great show and makes people feel good! A serious musician with an accessible repertoire that appeals to every kind of jazz fan!" ~Sandy Shore
For more info www.sunniepaxson.com
www.roxboroentertainment.com
