Album Notes

MUSIC FROM THE HEART
After 40 years of playing alongside renowned entertainers including Bobby Vinton, Eddy Arnold, the Moody Blues and Bob Newhart, smooth jazz/new age pianist John Paris has released his solo debut cd Journey of Soul. The album, comprised entirely of original material, reveals an artist who is an adept composer as well as a masterful musician.

Journey of Soul takes the discriminating listener and spiritual seeker through an odyssey of moods and emotions that are often powerful and uplifting, and occasionally light and humorous. While instrumental albums frequently highlight a single theme, Paris' music is dynamic, leading the listener through a full spectrum of feelings. Paris explains, "The music has to have development and go somewhere, not just repeat the same motives
everywhere."

Paris draws upon 40 years as an entertainer for the polished debut album. He has studied with Byron Peterson (student of Nadia Boulanger), Dennis Sandoli (who has taught John Coltrane and the Brecker Brothers), and Frank Leone (conductor for Red Skelton and Engelbert Humperdink.) As a member of the house band at the Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City, he played alongside many of the casino's headliners. He has performed with the Minneapolis Symphony and has appeared on the Merv Griffin Show, and the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

After decades spent developing himself as an engaging entertainer, John Paris takes his focus inward on Journey of Soul. Many of the melodies were improvised or came to Paris in a stream of consciousness, which in itself was a journey for the pianist. "I believe that music is a part of the divine sound current which sustains all life," says Paris.

Fans of Journey of Soul have praised the music for its brilliance and its restorative qualities. "The CD is filled with really touching music. The collection and format allows the listener to be taken away on a truly soulful journey. Thanks, John," writes reviewer Denise McIntyre on cdbaby.com. On Smother.net, reviewer J-Sin writes, "John Paris is an instrumental artist whose special play of the piano creates an atmosphere that many musicians hope to accomplish just once in their career."
http://www.smother.net/reviews/world.php3?ID=114

Paris expects to release two follow-up albums in 2005: Reflections, and Joy of Soul

Journey of Soul is not recorded on cd-r's.

For more information, please visit:
www.johnparismusic.com
Contact: John Paris, 530-680-7750
Email: info@johnparismusic.com