Trumpeter, composer, and educator Paul Giess is a community minded musician who expresses his values both on and off the stage. Paul helps educate young people at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, and by makes music with people with developmental disabilities through the Center For Creative Works. His musical practice is rooted in the Jazz tradition, yet his taste is adventurous as he brings new perspective to traditional ideas. Giess is active in a variety of ensembles in the Philadelphia area, including Yolanda Wisher’s Afroeaters, Erik Kramer and Friends, Tubey Frank, Outside Sound, The Abstract Truth, and The Philadelphia Jazz project, to name a few. He also leads his own ensemble, The Paul Giess Group.
Paul’s composition Prayer for Mimi is included in the Philadelphia Real Book, published in the spring of 2017, and was selected to continue in the second edition. In 2015 Paul performed on trumpet in the critically acclaimed performance of the musical Black Nativity, which won a Barrymore award for Best Musical Ensemble. In 2015 Paul traveled to New Orleans to be the musical director for the original theater work Americana. His debut jazz album U Suite U was released soon afterward.
Jamaaladeen Tacuma of Jamall Records produced Paul’s upcoming sophomore album Hymns Vol 1 in which Paul highlights selections from the hymnal of the non-denominational church he grew up in, The selections emphasize Paul’s spiritual development and desire to contribute to the larger human community. The album brings forward the musical influences Paul studied in Louisiana to create a musical message that lifts spirits and help us all persevere in these difficult times. Hymns Vol 1 is crafted in the tradition of Louis Armstrong and aims to please the mind, the heart, and the body.
“This recording sparks the beginning of an illustrious career of Trumpet Troubadour Paul Giess. Working with Paul and his band in studio was a pleasure as we witnessed the compositions coming to life “ (Jamaaladeen Tacuma)
Hymns Vol 1 is set for international release on August 26, 2021, with preorders beginning on July 23. The lead single sets the tone - Guide My Feet is Paul’s arrangement of an African American spiritual and features dynamic and compelling vocals from Philadelphia vocalist V. Shayne Frederick. A deep visual representation of the song, directed by Kara Leif and Viren Shinde, was recorded at the Unitarian Universalist Church of West Chester, Paul’s childhood church. As part of Paul’s ongoing commitment to community, proceeds from sales on the Bandcamp platform during the first month after release will be donated to The Philadelphia Clef Club
With Hymns Vol 1, Paul Giess accurately portrays the full breadth of the tapestry that is American music. While Jazz is most often construed as purely African American art form, a deeper look reveals that none of our experiences can truly be separated from the whole. This poignant message, delivered at the highest musical standard, sets on a path of true understanding as we prepare ourselves for the next leap forward in human connection and reconciliation.
credits
released August 27, 2021
Recorded and Mixed by Tom Spiker at Undercarriage Studios
Master by Gregg Mann
Produced by Jamaaladeen Tacuma for JamAll Productions
Co-produced by Paul Giess
Executive Producer: Paul Giess
Album Art: Robert Carter
Paul Giess – Trumpet
V. Shayne Frederick – Vocals
Will Brock – Fender Rhodes
Jeff Scull – Guitar
Erik Kramer – Bass
Matt Jernigan – Drums
Track 7 Spoken Word by Wadud Ahmad
Tracks 1-4 and 7 Arranged by Paul Giess
Track 5 Arranged by Paul Giess and Matt Jernigan
Track 6 Arranged by Matt Jernigan
Track 8 Produced by Vincent Anthony Wilson
Love Georgia Anne! Just a stunning album. Such originality. If you catch one of her IG lives she might ask you for your meditation minutes for the day! Paul Giess
A beat tape containing 24 tracks based on the 24 hours in a day blends hip-hop, electronic music, and acoustic folk. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 6, 2020
