MUSICAL GUESTS
Micheal Paulo
One of the most versatile saxophonists in soul and contemporary jazz for more than 30 years, Michael Paulo has added his distinct sound to a virtual who's who of artists, including Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Rick Braun,Peter White, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Lorber, Bobby Caldwell, Johnny Mathis and more. Paulo grew up in Hawaii in a musical family headed by his father, renown pianist Rene Paulo, his mother international singer Akemi Paulo, and a house full of siblings who all played instruments. After highschool, rather than accept a scholarship to North Texas State, he joined the band Kalapana, playing concerts and recording on all four of their albums from 1975 through 1979. Paulo later recorded a solo album for a Japanese release on Trio records. In addition to exposing him to the Japanese jazz audience the project gave him an opportunity to work with Herbie Hancock. Paulo moved to Los Angeles in 1981 and quickly established himself while playing with percussionist Ray Armondo and a local R&B outfit featuring members of the band Rufus. Two years later, he caught his big break when Al Jarreau hired him for his touring band. The young saxman became an integral part of the Jarreau experience while touring the world for the next decade. Paulo also gained international recognition as a result of his work on Jarreau's famed "Live in London" release. In 1988 Paulo recorded his first Major solo release "One Passion" on MCA records which was critically acclaimed as one of the most influential recordings in contemporary Jazz. He has since released eight solo projects with the latest being a collaboration with David Benoit and the Magenta Orchestra. He has served as "artist in residence" at The Java Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. Michael currently produces the Temecula Wine and Music Festival and the Pacific Rim Jazz Festival in Hawaii. He will be making his East Hawaii Jazz & Blues Festival debut.
Brother Noland
Born and raised in Kalihi-Palama on the island of O'ahu, Brother Noland is most known for his original song "Coconut Girl," which birthed the "Jawaiian" contemporary style of music. He has won numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards including Best Reggae Album and his music has been featured in several movies including "Race the Sun", "Pineapple Express" and "Snakes in the Plane." His eclectic style of music reflects blues, rock and jazz influences and he is featured regularly at both Hawaiian Slack Key and Jazz and Blues Festivals in the islands and the mainland. Brother Noland's impact on Hawaii's contemporary music scene is widely recognized. He was honored in 2014 by the State of Hawai'i for a "Lifetime Achievement in Music" award. He also received a Life Time Achievement award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts in 2019 for his body of work. But despite all the accolades, Brother Noland has never forgotten his roots and the community. Through his philanthropy he helps at-risk youth define their choices and is a dedicated steward of the aina. He will be joining Micheal Paulo on stage as a special musical guest.
Allison Adams Tucker
Allison Adams Tucker, is a multilingual jazz singer based in San Diego. Allison was raised by classically-trained musical parents and began performing before the age of 5. Allison has studied voice, piano, flute, violin and music vocal performance and holds a BA in Italian Linguistics. Her musical experience has influenced her vocal range, which includes everything from punk rock to Elizabethan A Cappella. This led to a smooth and steady transition into jazz in 2005. As a child, Allison fell in love with languages and other cultures. She has learned and performed in six languages. She has lived in Japan, Spain, and traveled to more than 15 countries. Her passion can be seen in her music choices today, reflecting her love for other cultures, with rhythms and melodies from Brazil, Italy and France as well as lyrics from the US, Japan and Latin America. Allison’s debut CD, “Come With Me”, was co-produced by Peter Sprague, a jazz guitarist (Dianne, David Benoit and Chick Corea), and arranged and produced by Kamau Kenyatta. It received international acclaim and was nominated by the San Diego Music Awards for Best Jazz Album 2009. Allison’s second CD, “April in Paris”, celebrates songs of springtime around the globe. It was recorded in Paris during UNESCO’s 1st annual International Jazz Day. This recording took place at the conclusion of a nine-concert tour through Italy. Her third album "Wanderlust" released in 2016 received 4 stars from Downbeat Magazine. Allison's performance resume includes stints at the "Bluenote" in New York City and the legendary jazz venue "Ronnie Scott's" in London. This will be her fourth appearance at the East Hawaii Jazz & Blues Festival.
King Louis Organ Trio
Louis Pain, "Portland's B-3 Organ King" is an Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductee and veteran Northwest and Bay Area musician and recording artist. He brings nearly 40 years of musical history to the Big Island having worked with jazz, soul and blues legends Martha Reeves, Bo Diddley, Bernard Purdie, Curtis Salgado, Mel Brown, Paul Delay, Bruce Conte, Cornelius Bumphus, Ty Curtis and Linda Hornbuckle to name a few. Fellow Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductee Renato Caranto will be featured guest. Renato is widely considered to be one of the finest Tenor Saxophonists working today. His extensive resume spans many genres of music having toured with Country music icon Merle Hagard, and contemporary jazz diva Esperanza Spaulding. Louis released two highly acclaimed albums 'KIng Louis Blues Review" and "King Louis Organ Trio", with both receiving Four Stars from Downbeat Magazine and both making the best albums of the year list.
