Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 24, 1947 in Indiana, PA

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Paul McCandless is a renowned American musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on March 24, 1947, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, McCandless grew up in a musical family and started playing the clarinet at a young age. He later learned to play the oboe, English horn, bass clarinet, and soprano saxophone, among other instruments. McCandless attended the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he studied classical music and jazz. He later moved to San Francisco, where he became a part of the Bay Area music scene and played with various jazz and rock bands. In 1971, he co-founded the jazz group Oregon, which blended elements of jazz, world music, and classical music. The group gained a following and released numerous albums over the years. In addition to his work with Oregon, McCandless has collaborated with many other musicians and artists throughout his career. He has performed with the Paul Winter Consort, the Pat Metheny Group, and the Jaco Pastorius Big Band, among others. He has also composed music for films, television, and dance productions. McCandless has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music. In 1987, he won a Grammy Award for Best New Age Performance for his work with the Paul Winter Consort on the album "Silver Solstice." He has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards over the years. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Flute Association's Hall of Fame. One of McCandless's most notable performances was his solo on the song "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker. The song, which was released in 1974, features McCandless's oboe solo in the middle of the track. The solo has become one of the most recognizable and beloved oboe solos in popular music. McCandless's work with Oregon has also been highly influential in the world of jazz and world music. The group's unique blend of styles and instrumentation has inspired many other musicians and has helped to expand the boundaries of jazz and world music. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, McCandless is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught at the University of Oregon and the Cornish College of the Arts, among other institutions. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Throughout his career, Paul McCandless has been a trailblazer and innovator in the world of classical music. His unique blend of styles and instrumentation has helped to expand the boundaries of jazz and world music, and his contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. As he continues to perform, compose, and teach, McCandless remains a vital and influential figure in the world of classical music.

More....