"One of our favorite CD's of the year!" - Sonya Clark, WVAS 90.7 FM, Montgomery, Alabama

Excursions is the new jazz release by Paul Serrato & Co. under the independent Graffiti Productions label. Mostly original compositions, there is, however, a piano/percussion duet of Miles' Nardis in the set. This instrumental set is original jazz with a worldly outlook, enveloped in Latin beats. It includes an infectious Brazilian Suite, as well as spellbinding Latin jazz charts, Afro Chant and Transversal.

Sensuously intimate and playfully revealing, Excursions celebrates the influences of Brazil, while embracing the intercultural vibes of Serrato's favorite muse- New York City.

"Paul Serrato takes the raw material of his life's journey and tells his story that is growing more joyful and richer with time." Turiya Mareya, Jazz Review.com

"In a world of piano trio cds...(Excursions) sticks out immediately bcause of its distinct personality and excellence" Christopher Cooke, KIOS-fm, Omaha NEW! Click to play "Paul Serrato April 26, 2005 interview by Chris Cook" of Omaha KIOS about Excursions. 19 minutes

"...a wonderful cd." J. Scott Fugate, WBCX-fm, Gainseville, Ga.

KTSU, Houston: "Great cd!"

"(Paul Serrato) is a fascinating talent, blending so many styles into his own. (Excursions) is Latin with a sophisticated touch. I can hear why Paul wanted trumpeter Reggie Pittman on this date. He fits better than a glove. What a haunting sound!" Bob Snyder, WRST-fm, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh

Click here to play mp3 of "Transversal" from Excursions.

Original jazz with a worldly outlook, Excursions includes an infectious Brazilian suite. Though written at different times, the three musical journeys that make up the suite are a diary of an encounter that Serrato had in Rio a number of years ago with Vinicius de Moraes, the legendary bossa nova wordsmith. Serrato was lucky enough to have been a guest at the former Brazilian diplomat's home, where many stories were shared about life in the heart of New York jazz on West 52nd Street after World War II. Having already been a fan of his "Afro-Sambas" with Baden Powell, Serrato emerged feeling reborn.

Enveloped in Latin beats, Excursions, maintains a solid straight-ahead base with Serrato's fluid compositional style. "The impetus of my own writing has been the now classic styles of Dizzy, Horace, Herbie and all those cats who made and broke the jazz writing molds during what we view now as the legacy of a golden age," shared Serrato.

From the spellbinding "Afrochant" to the delicious grooves of the "Nardis" percussion duet, each song is a reflection of the dynamic creative range of this master pianist. For instance, the interplay between the quartet in "Grand Central Bossa" dances with energy and excitement, while the flowing piano lines of "The Marrying Kind" embraces a sentimental edge. Sensuously intimate and playfully revealing, Excursions celebrates the influences of Brazil, while embracing the intercultural vibes of Serrato's favorite muse - New York.

"Paul Serrato takes the raw material of his life's journey and tells his story that is growing more joyful and richer with time." - Jazz Review

If you'd like to learn more about this artist, please visit www.paulserrato.com. For interview scheduling, appearance and promotional materials, please contact Graffiti Productions at 1-800-75-NEXUS or ppaulblues@aol.com

Click HERE to see Excursions session photographs.