Paoli Mejias

Grammy nominee Paoli Mejias fuses straight-ahead jazz, with African, Mediterranean, & Caribbean rhythms to create a new dimension of Latin Jazz that is energetic, intriguing and moving. Renowned for his innovative vision, global style and unique sound, Paoli is a distinguished master percussionist and is ranked among the best in both Latin jazz and salsa. Performing for more than 20 years along side Latin jazz legends like Tito Puente, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentin, Paquito d'Rivera...

Renowned for his innovative vision, global style and unique sound, Paoli is a distinguished master percussionist and is ranked among the best in both Latin jazz and salsa. Performing for more than 20 years along side Latin jazz legends like Tito Puente, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentin, Paquito d'Rivera, Chick Corea, David Sanchez and Danilo Perez, who all have called on Paoli for his unique blend of melodic sensitivity and blinding technique. Paoli also gained international recognition while touring the largest jazz festivals as Eddie Palmieri's side-man for more than a decade.

Now at only age 38 Paoli is at the vanguard of Latin jazz as leader of his own Quintet. Paoli made his successful debut as a bandleader with his self-produced record ?Mi Tambor? which received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album. Showered with positive press and accolades from the worldwide jazz community, Paoli's transition from sideman to focal point was explosive. His 2006 follow-up release ?Transcend? features some of the New York Latin jazz scene's finest: Luis Perdomo, Miguel Zen?n, Jaleel Shaw, Hans Glawischnig & Antonio S?nchez, all of whom also recorded on his 3rd CD "JAZZAMBIA" released November 30, 2008.