Tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger and producer Paul Heller is since 2005 member of the internationally renowned WDR Big Band. In addition to his work with the Grammy winning ensemble, Heller is known for his numerous international projects in a wide variety of quartet and quintet formations, including Ack van Rooyen, Jasper van’t Hof, Bart van Lier, Franco Ambrosetti, Scott Hamilton, Bill Evans, Al Foster, Billy Hart, Adam Nussbaum and many others. Since 2013 Paul Heller has been artistic and musical director of the successful jazz concert series “Paul Heller invites” in Cologne. Paul Heller has produced ten CDs under his own name, with among others: Al Foster, Ack van Rooyen, Franco Ambrosetti, Adam Nussbaum, Jasper van’t Hof and he is heard on more than 100 CDs as a guest soloist and sideman. Besides working as a touring and studio musician, Heller also worked as a producer for numerous albums by Fay Claassen (Edison award winning albums „Luck Child“ and „FAY LIFE“), as well as for Jasper van’t Hof and Ack van Rooyen.
Bill Evans: "Paul plays with maturity and total control of his instrument. Like the masters before him, Paul is continuing a legacy on the saxophone that very few on this planet can achieve."
Jerry Bergonzi: "Paul has the joy and the modern sophistication of all the contemporary saxophone playing! He has his own voice that makes him immediately recognizable!"
Jimmy Heath: "Paul Heller is a master saxophonist" (Liner notes for the album Heller/Ouwehand/Engels – Trio)
Joe Zawinul: "Paul Heller's solo (on 'Fast City' of the Joe Zawinul album Brown Street w/WDR Big Band) is tremendous. It really is a masterpiece - totally world class." (Joe Zawinul interview in Jazzpodium, Dec. 2006)
Michael Brecker: "Hey Paul, you continue to amaze! Beautiful writing - outrageously great playing. Your CD will accompany me on the road, and help me to stay inspired."
Bob Brookmeyer: "With the flood of tenor saxophonists surrounding us, finding Paul in 1994 was a new beginning for me and the instrument. He looks like an angel and plays like the devil." (Liner notes by Bob Brookmeyer for the New Art Orchestra album Get Well Soon)
Foto Credit: Gerhard Richter