Roderick Paulin is one of the most soulful, versatile and accomplished saxophonists in New Orleans. That status has been understood by musicians and music aficionados for many years now, and when an artist as experienced, astute – and not prone to hyperbole – as Alto saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr. says of Roderick Paulin, with unabashed enthusiasm, “Rev understands how to teach the music to musicians and he knows how to convey the music in a way for any audience to enjoy while keeping the music at a high level. Period.” Award-winning composer and jazz trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis adds, “Rev plays the essence of makes New Orleans music. He was born with it and that’s what he does. His robust sound adds depth to the sound of The Uptown Jazz Orchestra regardless of the band configuration.” – those are cues for the rest of us to take note of the talents of Roderick Paulin. If the name Paulin sounds familiar, there’s a reason for that – Roderick is the son of legendary New Orleans bandleader Ernest “Doc” Paulin who led brass bands on the streets of New Orleans for over 70 years. Doc insisted that musicians in his bands adhere to certain professional standards on and off stage. Many young players began their music career by performing with Doc Paulin and have gone on to achieve musical prominence such as clarinetist Dr. Michael White, Alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, Jr. tuba player, Anthony ‘Tuba Fats’ Lacen, and trumpeter Gregg Stafford among scores of local New Orleans musicians.

Roderick’s musical career spans over four decades collaborating with artists such as John Legend, Harry Connick Jr., Aaron Neville, Allen Toussaint, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Christian McBride, Trombone ‘Shorty’ Andrews, Wynton Marsalis, The Grateful Dead, PJ Morton, The Brand New Heavies, The Afghan Whigs, Branford Marsalis, Terrance Blanchard and the ReBirth Brass Band. Paulin’s experience as an arranger, producer, saxophonist/clarinetist continues to serve him well as he’s a highly sought after clinician/master class educator teaching the fundamentals of music and economic empowerment to students of all ages and demographics. For the last 10 years, Paulin has served on the faculty of the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp of New Orleans which is the longest running, minority-owned and operated music organization that serves public and private school students of New Orleans and surrounding communities. Roderick completed his undergraduate music degree at Southern University New Orleans (SUNO) under the guidance of New Orleans avant-garde saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan, and symphony composer Roger Dickerson. Their counsel provided Roderick with a clear understanding of just how much work – and the sort of work – he’d have to do to get where he wanted to be as a jazz player and an all-around capable musician. After some 30 plus years of performing in every musical setting one can think of, Roderick returned to school at 50 years old and completed his Masters Degree at Louisiana State University (LSU - May 2022) during the Pandemic and he’s continuing his academic studies currently as a Doctoral candidate pursuing the PhD in Music Education at LSU currently.

He readily acknowledges his parents instilling the importance of preparation, musicianship, timeliness, flexibility, and fortitude to be successful in the entertainment industry and everyday life. Those professional and personal attributes are the center of his character not only as a musician but also as a person, and it shines brightly on early solo recordings RPM, Slow But Steady, and Da Hustle Don’t Stop. More modern jazz can be heard on Jazz, Blues, and Grooves as Paulin explores the music of Herbie Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. He contributes to the long standing tradition of iconic clarinetists that have contributed to the vibe and feel of New Orleans music on Rev Pays Homage to Clarinet Legends of New Orleans set to be released in Spring 2024 which features Roderick’s interpretations on George Lewis ‘Burgundy Street Blues’, and original compositions as well. Paulin epitomizes music and musicianship, performing traditional jazz music as if the listener is hearing it for the first time, while being able to navigate between contemporary, bebop, avant-garde and R&B genres seamlessly.

Besides his musical affiliations, Paulin serves Director of Jazz Studies at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA. along with colleague John R. Gray Jr. mentoring and guiding students on not only achieving success in the entertainment industry but also encouraging mental, financial, social, and physical vitality through education. Paulin curates a music radio program called JAZZ ACROSS AMERICA, in conjunction with San Diego City College on jazz radio station KSDS 88.3FM where he promotes New Orleans music, culture, and business.

Roderick is a musician’s musician hands down. He understands the effect that music can have on an audience regardless of the genre. His fingers is on the pulse of what makes music great and he has been instrumental behind much of the music that has emanated from New Orleans the last 30 years.

More information is available at www.roderickpaulinmusic.com.