Paul Shinn | 30 Under 30

Pianist Paul Shinn’s sole goal as a performer is to create a musical environment that connects with the audience and transmits expressions of joy that cannot be conveyed any other way. 

Paul’s piano trio – created in the summer of 2013 - strives to carve out a unique sound by pushing conventional boundaries while maintaining a healthy respect for the rich lineage of yesteryear’s  jazz piano trios. The Paul Shinn Trio has released two albums, Reason Pure and Easy Now: Live at the Green Lady Lounge.

“[I] try to consider the music from the audience’s point of view in the sense that if it doesn’t connect with them, there’s no reason to making music and even playing piano in the first place,” Paul said.  

Also an accomplished solo pianist, Paul was selected to attend the 2010 Bösendorfer Solo Jazz Piano Competition at the Montreux Jazz  Festival in Switzerland.

Born in Mainz, Germany, Paul grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. While studying under jazz musicians Bobby Watson, Bram Wijnands, and Steffan Karlsson, Paul attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City and University of North Texas.

Paul now resides in Boulder, Colorado, where he continues to hone his deep love of performing.

“I think younger generations can really benefit from listening to jazz music because in my opinion, simply stated, it is the most creative style there is,” Paul said.

“There’s very little to no areas that are off limits in jazz, and that [freedom] can appeal to people of all ages.”

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