Paul Lopez
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PAUL LOPEZ was born and raised in Los Angeles. He attended Roosevelt High School in East Los Angeles. Paul listened to all the big bands, especially the Count Basie and Jimmy Lunceford bands. He studied trumpet with Doc Hiner and Louis Maggio. Another influence in Paul's life was the late, great, Bunny Berigan. Paul's extensive studies include private studies in Los Angeles, Julliard in New York, and Pablo Casals Conservatory in Puerto Rico.
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However, according to Paul, his most exciting and greatest experience was when he left Los Angeles for Chicago with Freddie Slack's Orchestra in 1948 and from there to the "Big Apple". It was there that Paul Lopez got to play with many of the great Latin and Jazz bands including Boyd Raeburn, Elliot Lawrence, Noro Morales, Machito, Tito Rodriguez, and the amazing Tito Puente! Paul was also on the road for two years with the great Miguelito Valdes and his Orchestra during 1950 and 1952. In late 1952, Paul played Birdland (a jazz club made famous by the late, great, Charlie Parker) with pianist Billy Taylor, bassist Curley Russel, tenor sax Phil Urso and the great drummer Max Roach.
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When it comes to interpreting authentic Latin Jazz phrasing and articulation, Mr. Paul Lopez is a master teacher and has conducted seminars on Latin Arranging at the Dick Grove School of Music in Van Nuys, CA. More recently, Paul taught and instructed the Studio Jazz Ensemble class at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California.
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Paul has also played studio and movie recording dates, one of which was the sound track for the film "Alamo". Paul's early arranging was influenced by George Handy and Ralph Burns. Paul has arranged for all the Latin bands mentioned above. Indeed, it would not be an overstatement to say that there are a very few Latin bands that have not included arrangements by Paul Lopez in their repertoire. In addition, Paul performed on seven albums for Jack Costanzo and four albums for Rene Bloch during the years 1957 through 1961.
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During the years 1962 through 1964, Paul led his own Mambo band which he called The Paul Lopez Orchestra. During these two and a half years, Paul's band performed in numerous night clubs in and around the Los Angeles area, a couple of them being the famous Virginia's Club and the California Club.
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His one year stint in Puerto Rico during 1964 and 1965 was mostly occupied with composing and arranging for radio station WNEL in San Juan. Other assignments have been composing and arranging for Hollywood recording studios, Las Vegas show acts, Lee Magid Productions, Marlena Shaw, O.C. Smith, some of which were performed on the Joy Bishop and Merv Griffin shows. During the 1950's Paul played practically all the show acts in Las Vegas being in both house and relief bands. He has transcribed a "Jack in the Box" jingle from English to Spanish. Paul has also studied film scoring with Earl Hagen, Spud Murphy, and Albert Harris.
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More recently, in the 80's and 90's, Paul took on the position of co-leader with the H.M.A. Salsa/Jazz Orchestra. He, along with HMA president Bobby Rodriguez, recorded two CDs, California Salsa I and II. Paul was the primary orchestrator and arranger on these CDs.
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At present, Paul is working to get is own Salsa/Latin Jazz CD released. The release is scheduled to happen in 2008. He plans to keep busy with his band and to continue exploring new avenues in composition and arranging. |