Jazz Vibraphonist
"In a world of so few vibraphonists, we're blessed that one of them is Paul Heckel, whose great taste and versatility enhance any bandstand he joins. 'Elegant' is the word that comes to mind as I consider Paul's playing"
Terry MacDonald, Jazz Director and host of "Jazz Straightahead", Portsmouth Community Radio
"In my opinion, Paul Heckel's vibes playing definitely falls into the category of 'talent deserving wider recognition,' both locally and regionally"
Charlie Jennison, saxophonist & composer
Photo: David Sluyter
LISTEN
All Blues - Paul Heckel / John Hunter Duo - Live at the Button Factory Stage
Sampler - Paul Heckel / John Hunter Duo - Live at the Button Factory Stage
Photo: David Sluyter
Paul Heckel Quartet
Paul Heckel / John Hunter Duo
VIDEO
BIO
Paul has been an active freelance vibraphonist in the New England jazz scene for over 30 years. He has had the opportunity to play with many world-renowned jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Joe Williams and Buddy DeFranco. He also plays with many well-known regional players such as John Hunter, Charlie Jennison, Nate Therrien and Tim Webb.
He has a wide-ranging repertoire of jazz standards, originals and other tunes that include compositions by Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Milt Jackson, Keith Jarrett, Gary Burton, Horace Silver, Dave Brubeck, Radiohead and many others.
Paul can draw on a network of musical collaborators to put together groups of different instrumentations (adding bass, drums, saxes and/or brass) and sizes (solo, duo, trio, quartet) to match the needs to many different types of performance venues. He often plays duos with John Hunter or Tim Webb on bass where the improvised musical interactions resemble conversations among friends.
Photo: David Sluyter