Paul Scea

Paul Scea (pronounced See-Ay) is an acoustic multi-instrumentalist specializing in a variety of saxophones, clarinets, and flutes, as well as the amplified MIDI woodwind controller. Born in 1959, he began playing at a young age, and after junior and high school instruction, went on to receive degrees at Western Washington University, and the University of Iowa. A creative improvising and progressive jazz musician who has also played his share of straight-ahead mainstream jazz, Scea's sound is certainly molded by his influences; tenor saxophonists John Coltrane, Archie Shepp, and Pharoah Sanders, as well Albert Ayler, Anthony Braxton, Evan Parker, and flute players Eric Dolphy, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Sam Rivers, and James Newton. He has recorded for the Accurate, Southport, Nine Winds, Perception, Blujazz, and Omnitone labels, and is associated with United Musical Instruments. Prominent bandmates have included Don Lanphere, Paul Smoker, Tim Hagans, Damon Short, Ryan Schultz, Mark Gratama, Chuck Burdelik, Matt Wilson, John Turner, Noel Kupersmith, Larry Kohut, Anthony Cox, and most frequently guitarist Steve Grismore. Scea has performed and been director of the Johnson City Landmark in the late '80s, and is Associate Jazz Professor, Director of Jazz and World Music Studies at the University of West Virginia. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide