Sunnie Paxson established herself as a skilled performer, composer, and songwriter before launching an independent path in 2002, following extensive collaborative experience. In the closing years of the 1980s she spent considerable time alongside Stanley Clarke, acquiring the practical knowledge that later supported her own projects. Through most of the 1990s she operated as a Los Angeles session player, staying active while forming key professional relationships. Only after prolonged contributions to other artists’ recordings did she issue her initial solo effort, Groove Suite (2002), and begin building recognition under her own name.
A Philadelphia native, Paxson reached the piano keys almost as soon as her height allowed. Her grandmother urged formal lessons, and Paxson maintained those studies for years. At the Berklee College of Music she trained under Ray Santisi and also worked with the celebrated French jazz pianist Bernard Peiffer. She later relocated to Atlantic City and remained there until Stanley Clarke recruited her for his ensemble. Between 1985 and 1988 she served as his keyboardist on tour and in the studio, contributing to several film scores. After leaving Clarke’s group, Paxson settled in Los Angeles and resumed session work, which progressed rapidly. Among the musicians she accompanied were Harvey Mason, Michael Paulo, Everette Harp, Sekou Bunch, and Michael Sembello. Her playing and writing appeared frequently in motion pictures and on television.
In 2002 Paxson advanced to the next stage by releasing Groove Suite. She composed nine of its eleven tracks and supplied a funk-inflected reinterpretation of the 1970s disco single “Do It ('Til You're Satisfied).” The sessions featured contributions from Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, guitarist and vocalist Michael Sembello, bassist Jimmy Earl, and saxophonist Dave Boruff.
