Paul K. Ward, Pianist

“FINDING MY WAY INTO MUSIC HAS BEEN A LIFE JOURNEY.

“Music can’t be taught all at once, because the student has to meet it halfway. I started lessons when I was a boy, and my time loving, learning about, and performing music has been a major theme in my life.

“I’ve arranged, composed, recorded, accompanied, and performed around the world, but the center of my attention is always the music’s demands on me. I’m especially grateful to play music that people enjoy, whether it’s because the music speaks to them directly, or through the filter of memory — ideally both!

“My heroes have been Bill Evans, George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, and — lately, Emmet Cohen and Brad Meldhau. They all share the same integrity about approaching their music, while knowing that the best outcome is to invite the audience along. Everyone wins when that goes well.”

Paul K. Ward was born and raised in Ashland, Virginia, to a brilliant college music professor father and a gorgeous and tenacious singer/dancer/actress — and later nutritionist — mother. He wouldn’t have his musical soul without the two of them.

Paul earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Davidson College (North Carolina), and his global executive masters of business administration from TRIUM. He is certified in investment banking from the Investment Banking Institute. Living now in Portland, Oregon, with his wife of 21 years, Angela, he now consults, produces music and video, and performs jazz and popular music on stages big and small.

Paul has served on the board of a longtime non-profit in Portland, Cerimon House, which supported music, fine arts, storytelling, and community-building, and then moved to the position of Executive Director of Artichoke Music, one of the longest-lived music venues (and later, non-profit) serving the American Folk Music scene, and serving as both a school and a store for the Portland area.

Since moving on from Artichoke Music, Paul has been involved in teaching young piano students, building national music education relationships, recording music in his studio, and co-producing audio books (the latter in partnership with Ooligan Press, a division of the Portland State University’s graduate program in publishing), and has recently taught an innovation management class in the PSU MBA program along with James Latham, focusing on the lessons in leadership and creativity offered by jazz musicians that can inform new processes for sustainable business growth.

At Paul's recording studio, Pamela Statz (l) and Mara Palmieri (r). Pamela narrated her new novel, Thorn City. The production was co-produced by Mara as part of her graduate work at Portland State University and in her producer role at Ooligan Press.

At Paul's recording studio, Pamela Statz (l) and Mara Palmieri (r). Pamela narrated her new novel, Thorn City. The production was co-produced by Mara as part of her graduate work at Portland State University and in her producer role at Ooligan Press.

Paul with Carl Solomon, one of the national leaders in songwriting and mentorship for veterans in his non-profit, Soldier's Songs and Voices. Paul has recorded Carl at StudioBlue and developed content for SSV as part of his work at Artichoke Communit

Paul with Carl Solomon, one of the national leaders in songwriting and mentorship for veterans in his non-profit, Soldier's Songs and Voices. Paul has recorded Carl at StudioBlue and developed content for SSV as part of his work at Artichoke Community Music.

Paul helped open one of Portland's hottest new jazz and restaurant clubs, a nationally-recognized speakeasy called The Underground, in Clackamas County. He also performs there periodically. Here he is seen with young singer Shaymus Hanlin, whose Sina

Paul helped open one of Portland's hottest new jazz and restaurant clubs, a nationally-recognized speakeasy called The Underground, in Clackamas County. He also performs there periodically. Here he is seen with young singer Shaymus Hanlin, whose Sinatra-inspired book is a town favorite. They are joined by drummer Eric Ching (formerly of PDX, now in San Francisco), and one of Portland's top working bassists and educators, Kevin Deitz.

Paul's focus in music has included working with some of the area's best singers. Here is the very talented Brigitta Teuscher with Paul taken this past New Years Eve, when Paul was performing the early set and his colleague Brigitta was handling the m

Paul's focus in music has included working with some of the area's best singers. Here is the very talented Brigitta Teuscher with Paul taken this past New Years Eve, when Paul was performing the early set and his colleague Brigitta was handling the midnight set.

Paul.

Paul.

One of the region's top vocalists, Shelly Rudolph performed in a duo setting with Paul at The Underground, a club he helped establish as a new jazz venue. The Underground has since become nationally recognized as a top speakeasy-themed restaurant. Sh

One of the region's top vocalists, Shelly Rudolph performed in a duo setting with Paul at The Underground, a club he helped establish as a new jazz venue. The Underground has since become nationally recognized as a top speakeasy-themed restaurant. Shelly regularly performs in a group called Swank Soul, with the region's very best musicians. She is equally known for her spoken word projects and she also occasionally works with music, spoken word, and aerial dancers. Her styles range from soul and blues to jazz and swing. Her last album released during Covid, The Way We Love, featured national cellist David Darling and her partner, Chance Hayden on guitar, along with a who's who of musicians.

Paul with local cultural leader and consummate trumpet player, Noah Simpson, at Paul's studio after recording a Juneteenth tribute spoken word project.

Paul with local cultural leader and consummate trumpet player, Noah Simpson, at Paul's studio after recording a Juneteenth tribute spoken word project.

One of the nation's best jazz guitarist is John Stowell, middle, seen here with John's partner, Candyce. This was taken at a concert with the Pacific Northwest legend, vocalist Nancy King, at a house concert venue, which are popular throughout Portla

One of the nation's best jazz guitarist is John Stowell, middle, seen here with John's partner, Candyce. This was taken at a concert with the Pacific Northwest legend, vocalist Nancy King, at a house concert venue, which are popular throughout Portland and elsewhere. Paul has recorded and captured video with John Stowell on many occasions, and has recorded piano and guitar duets with him.

Paul seen here with regular collaborator, Billie Eidson, a regional vocalist, joined by one of her favorite accompanists and arrangers, the legendary Darin Clendenin, whose vocal arrangements have been the backbone for vocalists in the Pacific Northw

Paul seen here with regular collaborator, Billie Eidson, a regional vocalist, joined by one of her favorite accompanists and arrangers, the legendary Darin Clendenin, whose vocal arrangements have been the backbone for vocalists in the Pacific Northwest for decades. Paul continues to collaborate when he can with Billie on artwork for her album projects.

Paul with Tom D'Antoni, who anchors Oregon Music News, one of the region's longest running publications and online presences promoting music in Oregon and beyond. Tom is one of the most educated and passionate music journalists in the nation.

Paul with Tom D'Antoni, who anchors Oregon Music News, one of the region's longest running publications and online presences promoting music in Oregon and beyond. Tom is one of the most educated and passionate music journalists in the nation.

Paul in front of Artichoke Community Music's poster wall during his tenure as executive director and board chair. Artichoke is one of the city's most active venues.

Paul in front of Artichoke Community Music's poster wall during his tenure as executive director and board chair. Artichoke is one of the city's most active venues.

Paul inside the venue, at the very busy bar, at Artichoke Community Music. The community mural behind him is legendary.

Paul inside the venue, at the very busy bar, at Artichoke Community Music. The community mural behind him is legendary.

Paul with beloved Portland singer, Donna Jones, in the green room at The Alberta Rose Theatre, preparing for the Tom Waits Experience.

Paul with beloved Portland singer, Donna Jones, in the green room at The Alberta Rose Theatre, preparing for the Tom Waits Experience.

Paul with some of the nation's best musicians, younger and older. From left to right, Will Lyle (bass), George Colligan (piano, drums, trumpet -- and Paul's main mentor), national treasure and pianist Dave Kikoski, nationally-regarded jazz guitarist

Paul with some of the nation's best musicians, younger and older. From left to right, Will Lyle (bass), George Colligan (piano, drums, trumpet -- and Paul's main mentor), national treasure and pianist Dave Kikoski, nationally-regarded jazz guitarist Dan Ballmer, and up-and-coming PDX jazz pianist, Harrison Richter.

"She's Speaking" emerged as the nation closed up due to COVID, as a virtual channel to elevate women's creativity -- especially in music -- to create more space for women in an industry that has been male-dominated. Two of the founders, Bre Gregg (l)

"She's Speaking" emerged as the nation closed up due to COVID, as a virtual channel to elevate women's creativity -- especially in music -- to create more space for women in an industry that has been male-dominated. Two of the founders, Bre Gregg (l) and Kristen Grainger (r) joined legendary fellow songwriter Beth Wood to open their arms to America's most brilliant and inspiring women songwriters. Paul supported them before, during, and after his time at Artichoke Music. Here, he opened up the venue for rehearsals to the group.

National flugelhorn star, Dmitri Metheny, has become a colleague of Paul's, recording in his studio and appearing with John Stowell at Cerimon House and Artichoke Music where Paul produced shows and workshops with them.

National flugelhorn star, Dmitri Metheny, has become a colleague of Paul's, recording in his studio and appearing with John Stowell at Cerimon House and Artichoke Music where Paul produced shows and workshops with them.

Paul with his beautiful mother, Judy.

Paul with his beautiful mother, Judy.

Paul at Cannon Beach.

Paul at Cannon Beach.

One of Portland's super-talented bass players, Laurent Nickel, with Paul at The Underground, a club Paul helped establish in Portland. Laurent books musicians at other venues and plays regularly from a wide variety of music, with a focus on jazz and

One of Portland's super-talented bass players, Laurent Nickel, with Paul at The Underground, a club Paul helped establish in Portland. Laurent books musicians at other venues and plays regularly from a wide variety of music, with a focus on jazz and standards.

One of Mexico's finest and well-regarded songwriters is Olivia de la Cruz, originally from Seattle. Here she is with Paul after a recording session at his studio. He has performed with Olivia several times in Portland.

One of Mexico's finest and well-regarded songwriters is Olivia de la Cruz, originally from Seattle. Here she is with Paul after a recording session at his studio. He has performed with Olivia several times in Portland.

Paul with his wonderful wife, Angela Potter.

Paul with his wonderful wife, Angela Potter.

One of the top guitarists, educators, arrangers, and producers in Oregon is Dan Gildea, with whom Paul has had the pleasure of working on occasion. Seen here with Paul on show night for the Tom Waits experience.

One of the top guitarists, educators, arrangers, and producers in Oregon is Dan Gildea, with whom Paul has had the pleasure of working on occasion. Seen here with Paul on show night for the Tom Waits experience.