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  © Juan Figueroa

Performing for more than 20 years, Paoli Mejías has already distinguished himself as a young master percussionist and is ranked among the best in both salsa and Latin jazz. Paoli is now at the vanguard of Latin jazz as leader of his own Quintet, with two CDs as band leader: “Transcend” (2006) and “Mi Tambor” (2004) which received a Grammy Award nomination in 2005 for Best Latin Jazz Album.  The excellent reviews of Paoli’s second release “Transcend” confirm Paoli’s innovative vision, global style and unique sound is capturing the attention of a diverse and growing fan base.

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on March 7, 1970, Paoli is a self-taught musician whose musicial education started by listening to LPs of "Patato" Valdés, Batacumbele and Irakere.  The music of these masters inspired Paoli to purchase his first conga at the age of twelve, and from there he began imitating the rhythms he had been studying, playing along with the records.  As an early teen he began participating in jam sessions in the streets and beaches of San Juan, and eventually performing along side many of his mentors.  The talented José Ramírez, one of the best Batá players in Puerto Rico, is among Paoli's teachers with whom he studied Afro-Cuban percussion.  Over time Paoli has developed a unique style combining technique, melodic rhythmic patterns and his physical strength.

As Sideman
Paoli's professional career began in his teens, playing with Rafu Warner followed by freelancing with José Nogueras, Glenn Monroig and Charlie Sepúlveda.  Paoli's resumé includes top jazz and salsa artists:  Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Seis del Solar, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentín, David Sánchez, Danilo Pérez, Chick Corea, Kip Hanrahan, Paquito D'Rivera, Hilton Ruiz, Marc Anthony, Luis Enrique, La India and many others.  Paoli's discography includes more than 20 commercial recordings, among them Grammy nominated "Acuarela de Tambores" by Alex Acuña, and Grammy Award winner "Masterpiece" by Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente.  Paoli gained international recognition touring around the world as percussionist for the legendary Eddie Palmieri for more than a decade performing in the largest jazz festivals. 

As Band Leader

In 2004 Paoli launched his solo career with phenomenal success; his self-produced CD "Mi Tambor" was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM in 2005.

"It's his work as a leader that best reflects the importance of Mejías as a force within and beyond Latin music..." - Robert Doerschuk, Drum! Magazine

“Puerto Rican percussion ace Paoli Mejías' self-produced album Mi Tambor is a dynamic fusion of progressive salsa, forward-thinking Latin jazz, and folkloric elements...” -  Mark Holson, Jazziz Magazine

 
“In this recording, his range of talents becomes clearer as he demonstrates his mastery of Afro-Caribbean percussion instruments (congas, timbales, bongo, buleador, plena drums, etc.), and the integration of music from other cultures. Paoli continues to grow, surprise, and delight listeners who seek quality in their music.” - Aguzate.org

"...This is new generation Latin jazz, informed by a rich and varied palette, and certainly one of the best Latin jazz releases of the year thus far. Very Highly recommended." - Bruce Polin, Descarga.com

“Once again Mejias explores a kaleidoscope of rhythms from Greece, India and the world over that are fused together making it one language for all to understand. Pushing the boundaries of not only the Latin Jazz genre but also Jazz itself, Mejias welcomes to the pot all kinds of influences. “Transcend”  is a breath of fresh air and a very progressive piece of work.  Kudos to Mejias by truly making music universal." - Javier Rivera, Escencia Latina

Paoli's Quintet is receiving high accolades from live audiences everywhere they perform: from Seattle's prestigious jazz club The Triple Door, the San Juan Heineken JazzFest, international music festivals in Venezuela, the En Clave Jazz Festival in Chicago, and other music festivals in St John, USVI and Puerto Rico. 

"The [HotHouse] festival’s biggest surprise was PAOLI MEJIAS AND HIS QUINTET. This group took everyone by surprise with their musical skills and energy in their interpretation of modern jazz and fusing it with Caribbean and Latin music. Paoli Mejías is truly becoming a recognizable figure as one of the most talented percussionists on the planet. This group brought the house down." - Carlos Flores, PuertoRicanChicago.Com Newsletter

Consistently, each and every review acclaims his ability to fill a venue with his charisma and energetic Afro-Caribbean rhythms bringing the public to their feet.  Complimented by the best jazz musicians, Paoli’s Quintet is creating a new style of Latin Jazz that goes above and beyond the genre in the traditional sense, incorporating unexpected elements of Asian, Greek, Flamenco, and African influences. The result is intriguing and exhilarating; the public becomes enveloped in the tight ensemble’s passion for music that is a delight to hear, and remarkable to witness in a live setting.

In February of 2006 Paoli began recording his second CD at Bennett Studios with the best jazz musicians on the jazz scene: Luis Perdomo on piano, Hans Glawischnig on bass, Antonio Sánchez on drums, Jaleel Shaw and Miguel Zenón on sax. "Transcend" was released under his own independent label in July 2006 and it promises to exceed the success of his first.

An experienced clinician, Paoli has given master classes at the University of Washington, the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, Cal State University, and “El Batey” the Puerto Rican Cultural Center of Chicago, The World Percussion Festival in Seattle, and the Montreal Percussion Festival, among others.

Paoli endorses Latin Percussion (congas & percussion), Sabian (cymbals), Remo (drum heads), Vater (drum sticks), and Hansenfutz (practice pedal).

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