TEQUILA TIME! is the ninth studio recording of pianist Paul Tillotson, and his second with The Love Trio. This collection of jazz originals and covers features the standout track \"Blackbird,\" Tillotson\'s dynamic yet introspective re-interpretation of the Lennon/McCartney classic.
TEQUILLA TIME! is a nod to the late Gene Harris, Tillotson\'s friend and mentor. Upon Harris\' death, in the third year of the Gene Harris Jazz Festival in Boise, Idaho, Tillotson was honored to be chosen to take Harris\' place at the piano. Rounding out the bill on TEQUILA TIME! are jazz veterans, and familiar faces from Late Night with Conan O\'Brien, bassist Mike Merritt and drummer James Wormworth.
Paul Tillotson Biography
Born in Boise, Idaho, Paul has made New York City his home for the past sixteen years. He has played with some of the top names in music over his thirty years at the piano, including: Gene Harris, Vernel Fournier, Lynn Seaton, Luther Hughes, Red Holloway, Ernie Watts, Lew Soloff, Mark Pender, Jerry Vivino, Chris Minh Doky, Matt Wilson, Anton Fig (David Letterman Band), Chris Botti (Sting), Lenny Picket (Saturday Night Live Band), Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live Band), Michael Merritt (Conan O\'Brien Band), James Wormworth (Conan O\'Brien Band) and Dispatch who\'s final concert last year saw an unprecedented attendance of 110,000 people.
In November 2002, Paul released his fourth CD entitled Funky Good Time. Recorded at Excello Studio in New York, Funky Good Time is comprised of eight Paul Tillotson compositions and is the debut of The Love Trio featuring Michael Merritt -bass and James Wormworth -drums. Just released November 17th, 2005 is Paul Tillotson The Love Trio Tequila Time, and their second CD together. This fifth CD is preceded by four CD\'s and four Cassette recordings. The entire discography is as follows: Tulips (cassette); Tidbits (cassette); Live at the Lock (cassette); Sweet Mystery (cassette); Tasty Morsels (CD); Duck Callin\' Man (CD); Drinkin\' Wine With Pauli (CD); Funky Good Time (CD); Tequila Time (CD). These recordings represent over seventy-four Paul Tillotson original compositions.
For eight winters Paul has played in Sun Valley, Idaho. \"One of the treats of winter in Sun Valley has nothing to do with snow. It revolves around the annual return of Paul Tillotson to play jazz in the Sun Valley Lodge\'s Duchin Room.\" -Idaho Mountain Express. His trio has been complimented with James Wormworth-drums, Jeff Rew-bass, and Josh Kelly-drums. As a promoter, Paul has successfully gathered a group of \"A-list\" musicians from New York City to come and rock the Boiler Room, Jazz up the Duchin Room and literally lift the lid off the River Run Lodge at Sun Valley. The last four years have seen sold out crowds.
Paul has participated in the annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival in Boise, Idaho, since its inception in 1997. The third year of the festival, Gene Harris passed away and the festival committee honored Paul by asking him to take Gene\'s place at the piano. Paul headlines the annual Gene Harris All Stars Concert and the Paul Tillotson Trio Concert at Ste. Chapelle Winery. He also headlines the annual Gene Harris Block Party. In addition, Paul has played the Montreux Jazz Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival.
In New York City, Paul continues to play at various hot spots for music: Irving Plaza, Bowery Ballroom, Lincoln Center and The Bitterend. In addition to performing live, Paul is an active producer and studio musician most recently co-producing singer songwriter Pete Francis\' newest CD \"Good to Finally Know.\"
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