SUNNIE PAXSON
You may be asking "who is Sunnie Paxson?" The chances are you have heard her music but do not know her as an artist. If, however, you are lucky enough to know her music as a solo artist then you know she is one of the funkiest, soulful keyboard players on the smooth jazz scene today . Although few know her name, literally millions have, unknowingly, already heard and liked her music.
Sunnie originally hails from Philadelphia "the city of brotherly love". One of 3 children, the Frank household owned a piano but Sunnie was the only family member really interested in the instrument. From the time that she could first reach the keys, she started to play. Her interest in music and apparent gift for the piano was noticed by her Grandmother, who encouraged Sunnie to learn, found her a piano teacher and Sunnie's future career was born.
A child prodigy, Sunnie's ability was noted by her teachers and her burgeoning talent led to her becoming a student of Jimmy Amadie and of the late world-renowned French jazz pianist, Bernard Peiffer.
Sunnie's music schooling continued at the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and thereafter the world famous Berklee College of Music where she studied with Ray Santisi. By this time Sunnie's influences ranged the whole gamut of soul, funk and jazz. The soul and funk came from her exposure to the music of the major soul/funk acts of the day, such as BT Express, Brass Construction, Enchantment, Phyllis Hyman and Shirley Caesar - this due to her Uncle's (the legendary record executive and producer Fred Frank) close involvement with the production of those artists and many more.
Under the guidance and tutelidge of Stanley Clarke, Sunnie started to work on writing music for feature film scores and TV theme music, which has continued to this day. Under Clarke's direction Sunnie is heard on films such as "Book of Love" (1991), "Love Kills" (1991) and "Eddie" starring Whoopie Goldberg (1996). Her work for TV is regularly heard on the major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, Telemundo, Fox Sports Net and Movies of the Week.
During her 3-year gig with Stanley Clarke, Sunnie wanted to find new outlets for her abilities and creativity. Where else better than Los Angeles where some of her favorite musicians lived and performed? Sunnie went to Los Angeles hoping to find work as a composer but virtually upon her arrival she was immediately welcomed with a full schedule of session work, arranging, producing and performing.
All of this whilst she continued to score for film, TV and library, whose producers relied upon her output. During these L.A. days she produced the title track for "Lambada the Forbidden Dance" and scored TV movies such as "Best Shots", "My Boyfriend's Back" and "Tango War".
In Los Angeles Sunnie had soon established herself as a sought after side woman called upon to play the keyboard for esteemed artists in the studios and live on the road. A road warrior, Sunnie toured with legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke (featured on Groove Suite) and she has recorded and/or shared the stage with many other jazz greats including Harvey Mason (Fourplay), Michael Paulo, Everette Harp, Sekou Bunch, John Patatucci, Jerry Brown, Larry Carlton, Justo Almario and others. Sunnie's compositions and performances are heard regularly in motion pictures and on television networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, Telemundo, Fox Sports Net, Movies of the Week, and a host of others.
Sunnie Paxson says Groove Suite, her debut CD, is "a party…all about the groove of life."
Every track on this spirited, upbeat CD captures the enthusiasm with which Sunnie embraces her world, and it is a party that every listener will enjoy. An accomplished performer, composer and songwriter, Sunnie is stepping into the spotlight.
