As of now, I have a rotating cast of bandmates. I always have some of the finest LA musicians with me when I perform. So it varies from date to date.
Influences
Where to start... Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Johnny Adams, Walter 'Wolfman' Washington, Bruce Springsteen (old), Orleans, Doobie Brothers, Temptations, Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitte, Donny Hathaway, Earth Wind & Fire, Jimmy Reed, James Taylor, Duke Ellington, Al Green, Fleetwood Mac, David Sanborn, Supertramp, Michael Brecker, Dr. John, EMP Project, Jim Croce, Tower of Power, Count Basie, Julian 'Cannonball' Adderly, Herbie Hancock, Karla Bonoff, Pat Metheny, Lloyd Price, Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson, Jimmy Johnson, John Coltrane, Sting, Todd Parsnow, Gene Ammons, Ernie Halter, Keb Mo, Sonny Rollins, Steve Gadd, Cornell Dupree, Richard Tee, Yellowjackets, Albert King, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Lucky Peterson, Billy Preston, Jerry Santy... gee the other 10,000 will have to go unmentioned.... sorry.
Sounds Like
A DEAL!! I just lowered the price on my CD and mp3's at CDBABY for the holiday season. Pick up some music for the holidays!!
Here's a review that just came in............
Paulie Cerra “A Silver Of The Moon”. Real Life Music 2006. Paulie Cerra is an easygoing musician with an enormous sensibility. In this cd he shows all his expressive richness in a bunch of songs inspired on the blues that was played by fourties and fifties big bands and combos. Sounds that remind Ray Charles or Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson with some drops of Sam Cooke’s gospel soul. Cerra does not forget to include a contemporary blues touch, with bright New Orleans colours in the path of Allen Toussaint or Fats Domino. In short, an excellent piece of work of this versatile musician, impressive singer, good saxo player and excellent song writer who has chosen first class musicians to back him, such as Albert Lee, James Gadson, Lee Thornburg and his close friend Todd Parsnow among others not mentioned for space reasons. A cd that deserves a place in any record collection if you not only love blues but good music in general. ESSENTIAL.
Paulie Cerra, singer, songwriter and accomplished saxophonist. Infusing the sounds of cities across the American music spectrum into his own music is what makes his music so vibrant and original. Having lived in Memphis, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago and Los Angeles, he has soaked up some of the wonderful sounds of these music meccas and used them like a painter uses colors to paint a landscape. His is a musical landscape of blues, jazz, R&B, soul, country, folk and gospel. From time to time in all of his compositions and performances these varied influences creep in to add to the sound of his music. Much as these sounds have crept into the fabric that is the heritage of life in America. Always with a positive take on emotions that go from love to heartbreak and friendship to loneliness.
Blessed with a voice that recalls the influences of Ray Charles, Johnny Adams, Joe Cocker, Walter 'Wolfman' Washington, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Sam Cooke, Paulie has a vocal sound and style all his own. Being an in demand saxophonist for years with artists such as Lucky Peterson, Bobby Bland, Little Milton, Jimmy Johnson, Carl Weathersby and countless others has shaped him both as a writer and vocalist. His saxophone sound is soulful, funky and greasy with a bit of New York umph!
Take your time and check out this wonderful artist and the fine cast of players that all came together to bring this music to life. Greats like Albert Lee, James Gadson, Lee Thornburg, Todd Parsnow and many more came together to perform these fantastic songs. So check 'em out and have yourself a real good time.
Paulie Cerra playing a funky blues solo with Mike Landau
Hey Paulie, Stopped by to listen when I saw your bulletin. Loved the clip of your tenor solo. Hope this year continues to find you busy and blessed! Peace
Whats up cousin? Hey you gonna make it back for Jazzfest in syracuse this year? Hope to see you home again in central NY again real soon. All the snow is gone I promise haha.
I'm still working on this new page, The new CD with Charlie Mariano is ready. I hope that in the next days all the information and the new tracks are on the page.
