Paul Tillotson Biography Updated August 2005
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 Vivinno, Chris Minh Doky, Matt Wilson, Anton Fig (David Letterman Band), Chris Bodi (Sting), Lenny Picket (Saturday Night Live Band), Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live Band), Michael Merritt (Conan O’Brien Band) and James Wormworth (Conan O’Brien Band).
In November 2002, Paul released his fourth CD entitled Funky Good Time. Recorded at Excello Studio in NewYork, 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. Slated for release this Summer 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 sixty-seven 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, Bitterend and Luxia. 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.
