One of the most versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 30 years, Michael Paulo has added his distinct saxpertise to a virtual who's who of artists, including Al Jarreau (Paulo's longest term touring association), James Ingram, No. 1 Smooth Jazz Trumpeter and guitarist Rick Braun and Peter White, Oleta Adams, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Carl Anderson, Bobby Caldwell, Johnny Mathis and more. Paulo grew up in a musical family (his father a pianist, his mother a singer, his siblings all playing instruments) and though he came upon the sax relatively late at age 15, he quickly became first horn player in his high school band and was playing professional gigs around the islands within a few years. Rather than accept a scholarship to North Texas State, he chose a more adventurous road by joining Hawaiian pop/rock band Kalapana, which had some success on the mainland but was most popular in Japan. After playing regularly and recording on all four of Kalapana's albums from 1975 through 1979, Paulo recorded a solo album for Japanese release on Trio records. In addition to exposing him to the Japanese jazz audience, Tats in the Rainbow gave him the opportunity to work with legendary pianist Herbie Hancock.

Paulo moved to Los Angeles in 1981 and quickly established himself by playing with percussionist Ray Armondo and a local R&B outfit featuring members of Rufus. Two years later, he caught his big break when Al Jarreau hired him for his touring band. The young saxman became an integral part of the Jarreau experience while touring the world for the next decade. Paulo also gained international recognition as a result of his work on Jarreau's famed "Live in London" release.

In 1988 Paulo recorded his first Major solo release One Passion on MCA records which was critically acclaimed as one of the most influential recordings in contemporary Jazz. He has since released eight solo projects with the latest beign a collaboration with David Benoit and the Magenta Orchestra. Michael Paulo’s reputation as the No. 1 Asian American Jazz artist continues with each new year. He has also toured extensively in the Far East performing for the Sultan of Brunei and the Royal Family of Thailand. Michael is also popular in Japan where he has performed with numerous well known Japanese artists over the years such as: Namie Amuro, Eikichi Yazawa, Anri, Mari Ijima, Globe, Atsushi from Exile and more! A dynamic live performer Michael has constantly left his audiences wanting more. His emotive playing and endearing style has never failed to capture the hearts of his fans all over the world. Michael Paulo has continued to build his status as one of the most dynamic saxophonist in the world.

Michael is currently an artist in residence at one of the largest Music Festivals in the world The Java Jazz Festival. Currently Michael is producing his 9th annual Temecula Wine and Music Festival and his 3rd annual Pacific Rim Jazz Festival in Hawaii. His company Apaulo Music Productions is also involved in producing numerous Jazz concert events in California and Hawaii. As he swings into 2013 and beyond, it's a good bet that he'll be bringing his passion along for quite some time. As he says, "Music is always going to evolve, and it's up to the artist to respond gracefully to the changes. We don't know what the music will sound like years from now, but no matter what, it will be based on what the people in the audience feel."
pacificrimjazzfestival.com
www.temeculawineandmusicfestival.com
www.groovesonthegreen.com
Other events can be found at his Apaulo Music Productions web page http://apaulomusic.com/