Paul English

Paul English is an internationally recognized composer, pianist, producer and educator. He has performed and recorded with jazz greats Arnett Cobb, Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Liebman as well as with country legends Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Johnny Bush. He has composed music for film, theatre, choral groups, symphony and chamber orchestras and his own performing ensembles. 

Pianist

Paul is well-known to Texas audiences as an outstanding jazz pianist who has performed and recorded with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Arnett Cobb, David Liebman, David “Fathead” Newman, Bud Shank, Mark O’Connor and John Patitucci.  Alumni of the high-spirited Paul English Group of the 1980’s include Kirk Whalum, Dwight Sills, Tony Campise, Tod Vullo, Herman Matthews, Tim Harris, Tom Cummings and Hal Robinson.A native Texan and longtime Houston resident, Paul enjoys performing locally with his various jazz and classical crossover groups: PICO (Paul’s Improvising Chamber Orchestra), PIVO (Paul’s Improvising Vocal Orchestra), The Paul English Jazz Quartet, et al.  His jazz groups of the 1980s were a vital part of a vibrant jazz scene in Houston and were instrumental in the establishment of most of the successful jazz venues at that time and since. Currently he tours internationally with his Touring Jazz Quartet, as a solo artist and with his crossover group, PICO.

Composer

A prolific and versatile composer, Paul has written music for radio, film and television, chamber and symphony orchestras, as well as for jazz and theater art groups. He has collaborated with poets, dancers, photographers, painters and film makers, and he has created music for the literary works of Gerard Manley Hopkins, Tennessee Williams, Pablo Neruda, Goethe, Rumi, Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Lord Byron and Voltaire, among others.  His works have been performed by the Houston Symphony, Galveston Symphony, Houston Civic Symphony and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. His catalog also includes a large number of jazz and popular songs, scores for three musicals, and complete libraries for his performing groups, PICO (Paul’s Improvising Chamber Orchestra), PIVO (Paul’s Improvising Vocal Orchestra), and The Paul English Jazz Quartet. His sacred music includes scores for several jazz masses, hymn arrangements and original settings of sacred text.

About Us

Since 1982, Show Business Entertainment has been providing the best bands, exquisite ensembles, talented musicians, DJs, comedians, and variety acts for thousands of corporate events, weddings, parties, and special occasions all over the globe. When it's time to celebrate, let us help you find the perfect ensemble, band, or DJ for your special event.