Paul Mounsey

• Genres: World

Biography

In the liner notes of his 1994 debut album, Nahoo, Scotland-born and Brazil-based keyboardist, vocalist, and composer Paul Mounsey explained his musical approach: "I have always been struck by the inherent groove in many Scottish folk tunes. Nahoo is an attempt to present this folk tradition using contemporary pop styles other than conventional rock."

Born in the lowlands of Ayrshire and raised in the highlands of Rosshire, Mounsey graduated from Trinity College in London with honors. After lecturing briefly at Goldsmith's College, he accepted a position at Play It Again, a huge commercial music company in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Many of his compositions have been featured in television commercials by such top-notch directors as Tony Scott, Michael Shapiro, Paul Giraud, Dariusz Wolski, and Hugh Johnson. The lengthy list of musicians who Mounsey has worked with includes Etta James, Jimmy Cliff, and the late Antonio Carlos Jobim.

In addition to his commercial work, Mounsey has composed numerous pieces for chamber groups and orchestras. A frequent lecturer on film music, Mounsey has written many articles for the Brazilian cultural magazine Bravo.

Mounsey has released three albums of his dance-inspiring ethnic music. While his debut album was compared to the techno worldbeat music of Enya, Deep Forest, and Enigma, his subsequent albums have used more conventional instruments including violins, flutes, and electric guitar. His first two albums -- Nahoo and Nahoo Too (released in 1997) -- reached the Top Ten on the European world music charts.

Mounsey's unique approach has inspired considerable critical acclaim. Sing Out! wrote, "Peter Gabriel has nothing on Paul Mounsey when it comes to fusing world music traditions," while Tower Records' Top Magazine observed, "The exiled Scot, something of a genius arranger and techno wizard, throws loops, samples, and inspired Brazilian musicianship into the digital cooking pot." ~ Craig Harris, Rovi