Paul Jost: Finding Your Voice

Producer: Karen Smyles
Paul Jost is an eclectic artist with great skill as a drummer, vocalist, arranger and composer in genres that range from jazz to country and more. Over the years, his musical talents extended to guitar and harmonica, but it’s his voice that truly makes him a standout. His vocals are so soulful that music journalist Buster Maxwell wrote … “he nearly single-handedly reclaims the male voice as a valid and critically important jazz instrument.” Peter McLaren in Jazz in Europe wrote Paul is … “is a force to be reckoned with and an artist that deserves to be seen on all great festival stages worldwide”. Michael Barbiero, producer/engineer/songwriter, who has worked on projects for such legends as John Lennon, Whitney Houston and Metallica, thinks that Paul Jost brings vocal styling to a new level. “Once in a great while an artist comes along whose talent and vision allow all that we knew to be viewed through a new facet. Paul is such an artist.”
A highly respected arranger as well, in 2015 Paul was commissioned by Producer Michael Kline to re-imagine Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” album and headline with that project at Exit Zero International Jazz Festival in Cape May, NJ. Paul collaborated with Barry Miles on the arrangements and assembled a band of great artists and friends that include Jim Ridl-piano, John Swana-E.V.I., Chico Huff-bass, Anwar Marshall-drums, and vibraphonist Tony Miceli. Paul performed this music in a Live Recording concert at The Bitter End in New York in the fall of 2016.
Paul has had two recordings released by Dot Time Records. In August, 2013, The Jost Project released, Can’t Find My Way Home, presenting classic rock in a jazz format. They continue to build their fan base by connecting with younger generations who are already familiar with the original songs. The Jost Project has performed in Ireland, South Korea and in the United States, specifically at Iridium and 55 Bar in New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, World Café Live, Chris’ Jazz Café and many other venues.
Their recently released CD is titled Peace and Love TJP.
A frequent guest lecturer and teacher presenting classes on “Finding Your Voice”, Paul’s personality works with all ages – from elementary through adults. He has worked at such colleges as the University of the Arts, West Chester University, Stockton College and others. He also leads an interactive scatting and body percussion workshop.
Friday Arts travels with Paul Jost to a workshop with talented young musicians at the West Chester University Jazz Camp and watch him create at his Vineland, NJ home-studio.

How Paul Helps Others Find Their Voices
Edited by Cody Knoblauch
Learn more about Paul Jost and how he’s helping others “Find their Voice.”