Episode #40 - Paul the Trombonist

The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark.  Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Paul the Trombonist.

About Paul the Trombonist:

Paul Nowell, widely recognized as "Paul The Trombonist," is a multi-talented artist rooted in Los Angeles, boasting roles as a music producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, performer, educator, YouTuber, and esteemed trombonist. His diverse skill set has led to private performances for a star-studded audience that includes names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, and Charlize Theron, among others. Garnering tens of millions of views, his original content videos stand testament to his growing acclaim.

In his formative years, while performing in a jazz club in Cleveland with his ensemble, Paul caught the attention of Ron Ellington Shy — a notable figure linked to Duke Ellington and known for his involvement with the Drifters and Coasters. This chance encounter propelled him into collaborative projects with Ellington Shy. Not just that, his youth also witnessed a stint to perform with jazz icon Chico Hamilton's band, a worldwide tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and participation in the Tony-award-winning "best musical" "Memphis" written by Bon Jovi’s keyboardist, David Bryan.

His collaboration with the ten-time Grammy awardee Arturo Sandoval to create a series of online videos saw a meteoric rise to fame, captivating millions globally. The world of comedy has embraced Paul too, thanks to his collaborative performances with the renowned comedian Sinbad, amalgamating music and humor in an unprecedented style. His rich portfolio further extends to performances with soul music royalty Aretha Franklin, Seth MacFarlane — the brain behind Family Guy, the legendary Frankie Valli, and Noel Gallagher from Oasis.

A proud alumnus of the Berklee College of Music, where he honed his skills under the guidance of trombone maestros including the illustrious Phil Wilson, Paul's journey came full circle when he reunited with Wilson to craft a successful video series, a project he cherishes dearly. This reunion bore the genesis of "Bone Masters," a pioneering internet show helmed by Paul, wherein he engages with living legends of the trombone world, orchestrating masterclasses and interviews, thereby creating the most expansive educational video library dedicated to the trombone.

Paul’s live performances are a league of their own, innovatively blending trombone with technology to forge sounds traversing Jazz, Pop, Hip-Hop, and Electronic genres. Leveraging modern technology and keyboards coupled with trombone improvisations, he crafts a transcendental musical experience.

Apart from his musical endeavors, Paul is a well-recognized name in the online business arena, having secured numerous business accolades, including the prestigious 2 Comma Club awards on multiple occasions. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence are evident in every venture he undertakes, showcasing a multifaceted talent who continuously strives for greatness in the music industry and beyond. As a respected member of The Recording Academy, Paul contributes his vote annually at the Grammy Awards, holding a distinguished role in shaping the future of music.