Paul Ranieri (Bass) was born in New York City and raised in a musical and artistic environment. He started studying music and playing bass at age 11. Influenced early on by the music from cartoons, science fiction and monster movies; and then later by all the greatest rock, funk, and jazz bass players, Paul is now involved in many diverse musical projects and has developed a melodically ferocious and powerful playing style all his own. With a degree in Jazz Performance from New York's New School University and Mannes College of Music, Paul's talents encompass a high level of technical expertise and professionalism.

In addition to being with ESB, Paul is currently the bassist for producer, inventor, Emmy Award-winning composer, and highly acclaimed international recording artist Mark Wood, and has been touring the United States with Mark's "Electrify Your Strings" series of music education programs; working alongside Mark to participate in the creation of rock orchestras with student musicians at schools and universities across the nation.

Paul is also the co-founder and co-leader of "The Professionals" one of New York's premier club and party.
Paul has performed/appeared on (television) CBS, NBC, ESPN Sports Center ESPN International, NHK (Japan);(Radio) WNBC, WCBS, NPR, WPLJ, Z100, KIOZ (San Diego), KPBS, KIFM. Print (national): New York Times, NY Daily News, NY Newsday, USA Today. (Regional): Good times Magazine, Island Ear, and Back Stage Magazine.

Paul has been a teacher and music educator since 1990, having taught at San Diego's only professional bass shop and music school; Bass Alone and at Sam Ash Music University and also has a successful private teaching practice.

He has had the pleasure to perform with The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (with Conductor Michael Butterman and concertmaster Philip Pan), Michael McKean (This is Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind, Best in Show), Annette O'Toole (Smallville, Law&Order, Laura Kaye (indie artist), David Pettigrew (indie artist), Frank DiMinno songwriter/producer), Shuler Hensley (Van Helsing, Disney's Tarzan, Oklahoma), Jerry Springer (Nationally syndicated talk show host) , David Nehls (The Water Coolers, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, indie artist), Linda Hart (Get Shorty, Tin Cup, The Insider, Betsy Kelso (Writer, Behind The Music That Sucks, The Great American Trailer Park Musical) and Kaitlin Hopkins (Star Trek, Rescue Me).

Paul brings with him a keen sense of rhythm and melody. His musicianship is incredible and he has the chops to prove it but his true strength is in his ability to 'play for the song'. His creative input and great team-player personality are a perfect fit for ESB. We are happy to have found him.