About Paul

Paul Cuffari is a versatile musician, songwriter, and composer based in New York City. He is best known for his bass playing, he’s also skilled on piano and guitar. Paul’s portfolio includes collaborations with artists big and small in both songwriting and performance. His work spans a wide range of genres, including Jazz, R&B, Indie Rock, Pop, and Film Scoring.

Originally from Central New Jersey, Paul grew up in a musical household. His father played drums, while his mother and sister sang, leading to his first live collaborations in church performances with his family. Alongside the church band, he was shaped by the sounds of Led Zeppelin, Earth Wind & Fire, Chick Corea, Whitney Houston, and Natalie Cole. Today, his influences range from Herbie Hancock and Maurice Ravel to Thom Yorke and Stevie Wonder.

Known on the bandstand as an instinctive player with a keen ear, Paul also hones his songwriting and compositional craft offstage, which has led to powerful collaborations, co-writing sessions. He has had the opportunity to perform in a variety of venues—from concert halls and clubs to festivals and church services.

At just 19, Paul was honored to be hired as the bassist in the legendary Wallace Roney Quintet, and was the bassist on Roney’s final album. He is also grateful for the mentorship of renowned bassist Buster Williams, whose guidance has deeply impacted his musical journey. Paul brings this rich legacy to every stage, studio, and project he takes on.

Paul earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Bass Performance and an MBA in Music and Entertainment Industries from William Paterson University. In addition to his performance career, he is a dedicated music educator, teaching bass, piano, guitar, drums, songwriting, music theory, and production. He also provides music copyist and transcription services.

Currently, Paul is the bassist for Malick Koly’s new indie grunge band, making waves in New York’s rock scene. In constant evolution, he’s excited to explore new possibilities and connect with his community.

“Strong, walking bass by Paul Cuffari. His bass dances along, beneath the music, in a very creative way.”

— Dee Dee McNeil, with Musical Memoirs (2019)

“[Paul] had the fundamentals down, but he was also willing to step out on the ledge without sacrificing the thing that holds the music together: big, beautiful bass sound.”

— Wallace Roney

“Elsewhere, Lenny White’s Wolfbane, is perhaps the most pleasant of Blue Dawn’s surprises. White, at 70, is still a treasure, as peppery and lightning quick as ever but also demonstrating a malleability that allows him to provide optimal support to each soloist, all while working brilliantly in tandem with Cuffari.”

— WRTI