Chicago-based jazz vocalist PAUL MARINARO, dubbed as having “one of the most beautiful vocal instruments in the business today” by Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune, is a modern classic.  Paul has quickly made a name for himself, becoming one of the most in-demand and respected male vocalists, and taking “his place among the top five male jazz singers active today.” (Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene). Paul demonstrates a mastery of and an infectious passion for the material he chooses allowing him to successfully command audiences with his fresh interpretations.

 

He is currently enjoying sold-out engagements in Chicago’s world-famous venues, including Joe and Wayne Segal’s Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Andy’s Jazz Club, and at Winter’s Jazz Clubwhere he is currently in residence.   He has enjoyed highly acclaimed appearances at The Chicago Jazz Festival in 2014 and in 2017 for an audience of 10,000 on the stage at the massive Pritzger Pavilion, where his performance with jazz legend Sheila Jordan earned rave reviews and was named “Best of 2017” (Chicago Tribune).  He has earned “Best Performances of the Year” in the Chicago Tribune in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017; and “Best of Chicago 2015” in NewCity Magazine.  

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In 2016, Paul enjoyed several highly regarded debuts with his appearances at Toronto’s Jazz Bistro, and at the world-famous Birdland Jazz Clubin NYC, where Paul performed to a sold-out room and enthusiastic crowd.  In Chicago, at the stunning Auditorium Theatre, Paul appeared in an all-star celebration of Cole Porter in 2016, and of Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne in 2017. Paul is also a featured vocalist with The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, appearing in many festivals and concerts, including a recreation of “Sinatra at the Sands” album at the historic Studebaker Theaterin May 2018. 

 

Paul returned to Birdland Jazz Club for his July 2018 birthday concert with special guest Sheila Jordan.  Says Jordan, “His singing is very natural. He really sings what he feels. He’s going to go to the very top – that’s what I think.” Paul was chosen to be the sole vocalist in “The Oscar Peterson Story” at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Feb 2019, which performed four sold-out shows over two nights in JALC's Appel Room. In 2019, Paul was the featured vocalist in “Nat Cole: The King’s Centennial”, which premiered in Barbados in January and was performed in Copenhagen at the legendary Jazzhus Montmartre, Stratford Summer Music Festival, the Rochester International Jazz Festival and Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts (to name a few). Paul also celebrated Cole's centenary at Konserthuset Stockholm alongside Ben Paterson, Kristian Leth, Eric Söderlind, and Hans Backenroth.