Paul Vornhagen Musician - All About Jazz

Updated: February 23, 2025

Born: August 18, 1950

Paul performs on saxophones, flute, piccolo, clarinet and vocals with styles reminiscent of Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Herbie Mann, Hubert Laws and Chet Baker (vocals). Based in Ann Arbor, he has released numerous recordings as a bandleader for several labels including Schoolkids, BOPO, PKO, Inner Light and Global Pulse. His Quartet performs throughout Michigan and northern Ohio on a monthly basis as well as touring in California and the Chicago area. His latest Quartet recording was released on February 3, 2025 on Global Pulse Records entitled Paul Vornhagen-Live at the Blue LLama to NPR and Internet Programs.

Paul also leads the award winning Cuban Jazz combo TUMBAO BRAVO. An exciting and colorful 6 piece band performing the authentic rhythms of Cuba with rich harmonic compositions written by mostly by Paul.

Paul also performs as a band member with THE LUNAR OCTET performing original compositions with Brazilian, African, Afro-Pop, Cuban and Bop-Swing grooves.

Awards

DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS include:

Talent Deserving Wider Recognition

Best Jazz Reed

Best Urban Funk Instrumentalist

Best World Music Recording (Tumbao Bravo)

Best World Music Band (Tumbao Bravo)

Gear

Selmer alto and tenor saxophones Yanagasawa Soprano sax

Yamaha C-flute and Gemeinhardt alto flute

Buffet Bb Clarinet and Bundy alto clarinet

Song Bird ocarinas

New releases from Vornhagen, Morris, Smith & More

by Bob Osborne
February 27, 2025

A mix of old and new on this edition. I dip to the archive for a look at the tributes by Dave Douglas and Chet Doxas to the music of Jimmy Giuffre and Carla Bley. There's a look back at the work of saxophone master Julius Hemphill. In addition a selection of the best in recent and forthcoming releases.Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Paul Vornhagen “Hey Pops" from Live at The Blue Llama (Global Pulse Records) 00:26 Willie Morris ...

154

Album Review

Paul VornHagen: Kindred Spirits

Read "Kindred Spirits" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
June 22, 2004

The opener on multiple-reedman/vocalist Paul VornHagen's Kindred Spirits, “Namely You," kicks the set off on a relaxed straight-ahead vibe, with the leader blowing a robust tenor sax lead. The sound feels loose, like Ben Webster—Ellington's most famous tenor saxophonist—playing out in front of a bunch of top-notch accompanists. Cal Tjader's “Mindanao," featuring VornHagen on flute, takes things into a more propulsive and urgent mood.The surprise, after two great instrumental tracks, is Burton Lane's “Your My Thrill." VornHagen's high ...

Gustsy sax, sensous flute and vocals smooth as silk. JAZZ TIMES

Muscular, confident, hip tenor sax...a hearland Sonny Rollins. MIDWEST JAZZ

Especially impressive on flute, with that intimate, caressing breath. JAZZIZ

Warm and expansive.... DOWN BEAT

Michigan's answer to Harry Connik, Jr. CHICAGO SUN TIMES

“Great tone on the soprano sax…top notch composer”
—CADENCE

“..his tenor sax is robust, yet warm with the heart of a romantic”
—DETROIT Jazz

Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Location

Ann Arbor

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Paul is a private teacher from his home studio in Arbor and accepts students on saxophones, flute, piccolo, piano, clarinet and voice. A relaxed and encouraging approach–all levels and styles.