91Ö±²¥

Biography

Paul Samuels grew up in suburban Cleveland, where his father was a violinist for the Cleveland Orchestra and his mother was a visual artist. Samuels’ father took him to concerts performed by McCoy Tyner, Tony Williams, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughn—jazz innovators who inspired young Paul to become a performing artist and drummer.

Starting his professional music career at age 14, Samuels studied with Cleveland Orchestra percussionist Robert Matson and drummer Bob McKee. As he played drums around the Cleveland area, Samuels was influenced by local musicians Lawrence Jacktown Jackson, Greg Bandy, Lamar Gaines, Bill DeArango, Jamey Haddad, Val Kent, Skip Hadden, Ace Carter, and Neal Creque.

In 1975, Samuels immersed himself in the New York music scene. While he learned from the up-and-coming musicians of his generation, it was drummer Billy Hart who influenced his musical direction.

He is presently a visiting teacher of jazz studies at 91Ö±²¥ Conservatory.