Paul Marinaro Jazz Vocalist
Vocalist Paul Marinaro, dubbed as having “one of the most beautiful vocal instruments in the business today” by Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune, has emerged as one of today’s most compelling interpreters of song. With a voice described by All About Jazz as “sometimes brash, sometimes tender… an interpretative nuance [that] can speak whole sagas… a true musician,” Marinaro is praised for his masterful phrasing, keen jazz-influenced sensibilities and swing, and deep emotional connection to lyric. He brings elegance, wit, and fresh perspective to every performance, making him a favorite with audiences and critics alike.
Since his widely acclaimed 2013 debut Without a Song—a heartfelt album in tribute to his father’s unfulfilled dream to be a professional singer—Marinaro has kept Chicago as his home base, enjoying sold-out engagements at the city’s most prestigious venues including the Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Winter’s Jazz Club, and Studio5 Performing Arts Center. Many of his Chicago appearances have been included on various “Best of the Year” lists, including his unforgettable duet with legendary vocalist Sheila Jordan, a frequent collaborator, during the 2017 Chicago Jazz Festival at the massive Pritzker Pavilion. Also a featured vocalist with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, a 2019 performance featuring Marinaro and the CJO recreating Sinatra at the Sands at the historic Studebaker Theater also earned a “Best of the Year” distinction from the Chicago Tribune.
His appearances have graced major festivals and stages worldwide, including multiple appearances at NYC’s world-famous Birdland Jazz Club, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Copenhagen’s famed Jazzhus Montmartre, Premio Penisola Sorrentina in Sorrento, Italy, Konserthuset in Stockholm, Stratford Summer Music Festival, Marion’s Jazzroom Room in Bern, Switzerland, the Naniki Music Festival in Barbados, and yearly performances throughout Sicily and Southern Italy—including heartfelt concerts in each of his ancestral hometowns of San Fele, Basilicata, and Sciara, Sicily.
In 2022 and 2023, Marinaro added two large-scale albums to his discography that expanded both his artistic range and critical acclaim. His 2022 release, Not Quite Yet, was a deeply personal journey—a cohesive, narrative-driven statement in which song selection, pacing, and arrangements traced an intimate arc from reflection to renewal. Critics hailed it as “a personal opus” and a masterclass in emotional storytelling through music. The following year, he joined the Metropolitan Jazz Octet for The Bowie Project, a bold, genre-spanning reimagining of David Bowie’s music that was praised for its inventive arrangements and Marinaro’s chameleonic interpretive skill, further cementing his place among today’s most distinctive and fearless vocalists.
Throughout 2025, Marinaro was the featured vocalist for the Oscar Peterson Centennial tribute concerts, which toured throughout Canada and Europe, including memorable stops in Bern, Switzerland, and at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.
In late 2025, Marinaro will release his highly anticipated next album, Mood Ellington, a lavishly ambitious 21st-century celebration of Duke Ellington’s timeless artistry. Presenting twenty-five of Ellington’s finest vocal compositions, vividly reimagined by thirteen of North America’s most celebrated arrangers—including Alan Broadbent, John Clayton, Bill Cunliffe, Chuck Israels, and Chuck Owen. Performed by an A-list roster of musicians, Marinaro’s core quartet is augmented by five horns and a lush twelve-piece string section. It is a sweeping, contemporary tribute brought to life with passion and nuance by a singer at the height of his interpretive powers.
As he continues to expand his artistry through ambitious projects and international collaborations, Paul Marinaro remains committed to honoring the great traditions of song while forging his own unmistakable path. Whether on stage or in the studio, his performances reflect a deep respect for the songs he sings and a personal connection that keeps this music vibrant and relevant.
“Marinaro’s brisk tempo, alternate melody notes, velvety timbre, taut vibrato and translucent pianissimos immediately announced that this was going to be Marinaro’s night, not Sinatra’s.” Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune, “A CJO Salute to ‘Sinatra at the Sands’ featuring Paul Marinaro’ “
“A formidable singer, bold and evocative…Marinaro has evolved into one of the most accomplished and promising jazz-swing vocalists in the country…one of the most beautiful vocal instruments in the business today.” Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
“He swings hard …a giant baritone that manages to be both virile and gorgeous, Marinaro infuses the essence of jazz – the imaginative phrasing, the small expressive gesture, and yes, that swing – into every interpretation.” Neil Tesser; Examiner; author, music critic, Grammy Winner (liner notes)
“Right there under your nose in Chicago is a singer named Paul Marinaro who is the best I've heard in many years. His insight and command over this material is truly staggering, making him one of that select cadre of storytellers. Like Nat Cole, it’s art so close to perfection that it seems almost artless. I've heard many new singers and no one has touched me as deeply as this guy. He's got it all.” Dick LaPalm (legendary record promoter/agent whose clients have included Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, and Sarah Vaughan)
Marinaro immediately takes his place among the top five male jazz singers active today. It is true that there are few male jazz singers around but, even if there were many, Marinaro’s strong clear voice, very musical and melodic style, and attractive tone would put him near the top. Paul Marinaro stakes his claim as a major singer. Scott Yanow; LA Jazz Scene
As I listened to Without a Song by Chicago- based vocalist PAUL MARINARO, I was reminded of another singer who settled in the Windy city, Frank D’Rone. He has a similar voice, phrasing and articulation, but he is no mere imitation. This is a man who can sing…and the results are definitely pleasing. This disc documents a man who is following the dreams of both him and his father, and doing so in a very special way. Joe Lang; New Jersey Jazz Society
“(a) formidable singer, bold and evocative...an exquisite new recording...a stunning debut documenting one of the most beautiful vocal instruments in the business today...Marinaro owns one of the most plush baritones in Chicago — or just about anywhere else, and one of these days, perhaps the rest of the world will know it…a room is fortunate to have him.” Howard Reich; producer, author, and arts/jazz critic of the Chicago Tribune
…a mainstay of the Chicago music scene, entertaining with both his vocal aplomb and charming wit, Marinaro delivers on this recording with emotion and musicality to spare (and) sings with particular assurance, interpreting several selections of the Great American Songbook with an alluring tone and an incisive swing feel. The album features expert pacing and production. Marinaro aces the varied repertoire…an endearing boon of a recording. Daniel Healy; Chicago Jazz Magazine
“Marinaro weaves a spell that makes you forget about the outside world as you're held captive by his talent. (**** of 4 stars)” TimeOut Chicago
If you can sit through Paul Marinaro's ‘Without a Song’ and not be thoroughly entertained…then be patient because your autopsy results should be back shortly. …a vocalist of immense talent with that special panache of showmanship... This carefully thought out and deliciously entertaining romp sparkles with real emotion, swinging arrangements and a celebration of what a jazz singer used to be…this is far more than Marinaro doing a riff on what was but instead we find new arrangements adding depth of flavor so that Paul can take ownership of these timeless classics…with impeccable phrasing, solid timing and that intangible of connectivity to a song that brings forth an instant believability… Brent Black; Critical Jazz
