Paul King With Strings
Grosse Pointe, Michigan, United States | SELF
Music
Press
12:57 PM, Feb. 9, 2011
BY MARK STRYKER
Detroit Free Press Columnist
JAZZ
Matt Dennis is not a household name, but among connoisseurs of the American popular song, he remains a hero for penning some of the most melodically and harmonically savvy tunes of the golden age: "Angel Eyes," "Violets for Your Furs," "The Night We Called It a Day" and others.
Dennis (1914-2002) was also a pianist, singer and arranger, and there is something about the flow of his phrases and colorful harmonies that recalls the soul of a singer and the sharp ears of a pianist. Composer Alec Wilder once called him "an insider's songwriter."
Detroit composer-arranger-pianist Scott Gwinnell and vocalist Paul King are Dennis fans and are celebrating his legacy with an ambitious ensemble that backs the singer with a string quartet, piano, bass, drums and sundry jazz soloists. Paul King with Strings makes its public premiere this week at the Dirty Dog Jazz Café.
Based on a couple of demo recordings I've heard, King's suave baritone provides the fulcrum of the ensemble, but Gwinnell's inventive arrangements elevate the project beyond a typical vocalist-plus-strings affair. The strings are full participants in the ensemble, adding color, texture and counterpoint to the ballads and swingers.
"Everyone in the group was hip to doing things a little differently, with the strings getting more action than playing conventional whole notes," says Gwinnell.
Each night this week has a different soloist: saxophonist Keith Kaminski tonight, saxophonist James Hughes on Friday and trombonist Vincent Chandler on Saturday.
Dirty Dog Jazz Café, 97 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms. Seatings at 6 and 8:30 tonight; 6, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. No cover tonight, $10 Friday-Saturday, no cover for 10:30 show. 313-882-5299 or dirtydogjazz.com. - Detroit Free Press
Discography
Paul King With Strings (Demo)
Photos
Bio
The band is made up of experienced, creative
musicians, led by award-winning composer/arranger,
Scott Gwinnell, who serves as musical director.
This venture celebrates the music of the great,
underrated, Matt Dennis. A composer from the 1930s-
60s, Dennis is often overlooked, but is appreciated
here for his music’s warmth, wit, beautiful melodies,
and lyrics that are still fresh well into the 21st century.
This group works well in any setting, from intimate club
to festival stage, and its unique combination of
musical styles appeals to listeners of every kind.
Paul King with Strings is an exciting new musical group
from Detroit and is now available for bookings.
This all-star group, fronted by popular Detroit crooner
Paul King, is a the result of Paul and Scott Gwinnell’s
efforts to create a unique type of music that has the
energy and feel of a small group, but suggests the
lush, sweeping string arrangements of Frank Sinatra
and Ella Fitzgearld.
The band is made up of experienced, creative
musicians, led by award-winning composer/arranger,
Scott Gwinnell, who serves as musical director.
This venture celebrates the music of the great American Songbook and tunes recorded by Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Ella Fitzgerald to name a few.
The members of Paul King with Strings are some of the most requested sidemen in the midwest.
Paul is an extremely talented and experienced baritone who has spent years with big bands, mesmerizing listeners with his well-crafted approach to the great American songbook.
Scott is a freelance pianist/ composer/ arranger/ educator who has played in the Detroit and SE music scene for 20 years. He has won multiple awards and grants for his compositions and arrangements which currently number over 300. He has played with jazz greats such as: Joe Lovano, John Clayton, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Steve Turre, and Jon Hendircks, who Scott served as 3 year musical director for.
The string quartet of Molly, Andrew, James, and Dan are top regional musicians coming out of the orchestra pit of the Detroit Opera Theatre.
The rhythm section of Jordan and Rob is one of the most requested groups on the scene.Veterans of many types of groups, they apply a great mix of groove, interpretation, and the ability to read difficult charts.
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