Paul Jost
Passionate Storyteller
When describing this unique vocalist, arranger and educator, two thoughts are shared by critics and contemporaries; "Passionate storyteller” and "One of the best male jazz vocalists since Mark Murphy." Paul, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and adjunct educator at West Chester University, has become a fixture on the New York jazz scene while performing worldwide including a recent European tour in Paris, Brussels, Lurs France and London promoting his latest CD "Simple Life".
He and his quartet, featuring Jim Ridl-piano, Dean Johnson-bass and Tim Horner-drums, are honored to have been selected by U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to tour Pakistan and Lebanon (April 2020) as part of the American Music Ambassadors program (A.M.A.) implemented by the Association of American Voices.
With residency at New York City's acclaimed 55 Bar and performances at Mezzrow, Blue Note, North Square, The Bitter End, Jazz at Kitano’s and guest appearances with Orrin Evans at SMOKE, with Dena Derose at Birdland, Joe Locke at Dizzy's Coca Cola Club at Lincoln Center, and with Janis Siegel and Lauren Kinhan at Zinc Bar, Paul can be found connecting with audiences in venues from New York to Los Angeles and throughout the world including performances at Pittsburgh, Xerox Rochester, Exit Zero, COTA, Pohang South Korea and Limerick International Jazz Festivals.
With a long career as an instrumentalist and sideman, Paul has performed or recorded on sessions with Billy Eckstine, Mark Murphy, Dr. John, Bucky Pizzarelli, Bobby Scott, Joe Farrell, Sheryl Baily, Barry Miles and Ron Carter to name just a few. Paul launched his solo vocal career in 2015 with his debut vocal album “Breaking Through” (Dot Time) which Included his self penned “Book Faded Brown” previously recorded by The Band, Rick Danko and Carl Perkins. His follow-up release “Simple Life” features his quartet along with Joe Locke as a special guest on a number of tracks.
Paul has written for NBC, Cannon Films and was recently showcased on PBS-TV in a Friday Arts series profile feature "Finding Your Voice". He was commissioned by Michael Kline of Exit Zero Jazz Festival to interpret Bruce Springsteen’s iconic album “Born to Run” in a jazz format and headline at the festival. This work is proudly scheduled for release sometime in 2020-2021.
