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Paul Moran
Biography Paul Moran
Paul Moran
The Jazz Geordie" Paul Moran’s unique artistry is heard in both the R&B, Jazz, and Contemporary arenas reaching across into film and TV. His prolific abilities have brought him concert and recording work (UK and worldwide) with an array of artists as diverse and impressive as: Van Morrison (MD), Natalie Cole, Roger Daltry, Pete Townshend, George Michael, Joss Stone, Mavis Staples, Bette Midler (MD), Sister Sledge, Clare Teal, Mark Knopfler, Tony Hadley (MD), Candy Dulpher, Rick Astley, The Drifters (MD), Cilla Black (MD), Gilbert O’ Sullivan (MD), Chris Norman, Joe Walsh, Wishbone Ash, Marcella Detroit, Irene Cara, Michael Ball, Buddy Greco, Elaine Delmar (MD), Maceo Parker (Montreux Jazz Festival), Tom Jones , Chrissie Hynde, Jools Holland. They are a few of the many who appreciate Paul for his sensational skills as a keyboard player, accomplished jazz musician and orchestrator.
His skills in writing and composition have led him to play on many hit albums including the Van Morrison album 'Astral Weeks live at The Hollywood Bowl', Van Morrison album 'Born to Sing: No Plan B', Tony Hadley album 'Passing Strangers', Wishbone Ash album 'Bare Bones', Bronski Beat album Small Town Boy, Kim Fowley’s 'Let the Madness in' and the Toyah Wilcox album 'Dreamchild', to name but a few.
Buddy Greco requested Paul’s services on piano and Hammond organ for his first UK tour, culminating in a fabulous concert at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London. Paul was honoured to be invited to play Hammond Organ for Kevin Spacey, together with full orchestra, at a star-studded fundraiser for 9/11. Paul has gone on to play fundraisers, performing as Musical Director for many celebrities.
His film and TV work include his skills as a Big Band scorewriter and Band Leader on the Paul O'Grady Christmas Special Show for ITV, the Paul O'Grady Royal Wedding Special for ITV, Tony Hadley TV appearances as Big Band leader and MD on 'Children In Need' for the BBC, 'This Morning' for ITV, the Paul O'Grady Show, again for ITV Evening with Van Morrison live at St. Lukes Hall, London, for BBC4.
Composition credits for TV include the first series of 'One Foot In The Grave'. In film, He re-orchestrate music score for 'Hound Of The Baskervilles' starring Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore. Paul also Contributed to the score of the film ‘Leo’, starring Dennis Hopper and Joseph Fiennes, and the Terry Gilliam movie 'Tideland' starring Jeff Bridges. Paul's library music continues to be regularly picked for TV and Film.
On the commercial scene Paul has worked extensively for Carlin Music composing library tracks and signature tunes. His credits include One Foot in the Grave (BBC) and work for Sky Sports, together with advertising commissions for Aerial, Dove, Tetley Bitter and Granada. Paul composed, scored and played a considerable part of the soundtrack, including complex string arrangements, for the Sony Playstation 2 game, Ghosthunter. Paul continues to compose and produce library music for Warner Chappel, Carlin and So Ho Music. He has also worked on many recording sessions in London studios such as C.T.S., Konk Sudios, Redwood and Abbey Road Studios.
In his own right, Paul is most famous for the release of the album "Smokin’ B3" a funky, Hammond organ based album featuring such greats as Andy Gangadene, Chris “Snake” Davis, Jim Mullen and the leading British soul vocalist Ruby Turner. Smokin’ B3 was recorded at Abbey Road and Matrix studios in London. It features regularly on national and international radio stations such as Jazz FM and GLR as well as the SKY/CABLE music channel Music Choice. The album reached no 8 in the HMV jazz charts. Paul is currently Musical Director to Van Morrison, playing Piano, Hammond Organ, Synths, Trumpet and Flugel Horn, having directed recent live concerts such as 'Jazz at Montreaux' and the 'Royal Albert Hall' as well as recent recording dates with Van Morrison.
Paul performed as keyboards MD on the Van Morrison album 'Astral Weeks Live At The Hollywood Bowl', recorded November 2008 in LA.
In 2010, Paul’s big break in television came when he was asked to perform as musical director with his own orchestra on the Paul O’Grady Christmas Eve special, (excerpts can be found on YouTube) prime time on ITV1, working with such acts as Cilla Black and Bette Midler. Whilst focusing on his television work, Paul continued to tour with Van Morrison, juggling the diary profusely!
2011 consisted of Television work, whilst also recording the Van Morrison album 'Born To Sing: No Plan B' released in October 2012.
2014 saw Paul Moran performing on Van Morrison's Duets album 'Re-working The Catalogue', while also completing the recording of his next album, "Tribute To Blue Note", featuring tracks in the style of various artists who have recorded with the famous Blue Note jazz record label.
2015 - 2017 Moran is a featured artist on the Van Morrison releases :' Born To Sing - No Plan B', 'Keep Me Singing', 'Roll with the Punches' (featuring Jeff Beck) and 'Versatile'.
2017-2023: A year of recording in 2021 saw Moran return to his ‘club music’ roots, culminating in the worldwide release in 2022 of his latest project album: Aurora 5 ‘Ibiza Chill Vol 1’, received by the music press such as ‘Blues & Soul’ Magazine to great acclaim.
