Roderick “Rev” Paulin, a saxophonist and clarinetist, was born with deep roots in the New Orleans music scene. The son of legendary band leader Ernest “Doc” Paulin, who led brass bands on the streets of New Orleans for over 70 years, young Roderick was steeped in musicianship, performance standards, history, and a deep love for his hometown traditions. The talented musician earned an undergraduate degree at Southern University in Baton Rouge, studying with educators like Edward “Kidd” Jordan and Roger Dickerson. 

Over his nearly 50-year career, Paulin has performed with his own band, Rev Paul and the Congregation, and with a Who’s Who of American music: John Legend, Allen Toussaint, The Grateful Dead, Aaron Neville, Harry Connick, Jr., the Marsalis family, Trombone Shorty, The Afghan Whigs, and the Brand New Heavies. He effortlessly weaves through R&B, avant-garde, be-bop, traditional, and contemporary jazz sounds

In addition to his performance chops, he has earned a reputation as a leading arranger and producer, and as a music educator, emphasizing music fundamentals and economic empowerment to his students. For the last 10 years, Paulin has served on the faculty of the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp of New Orleans. Rev used the pandemic wisely -- he returned to school to complete a Masters in Music at LSU and pursue a doctorate in Music Education. He curates Jazz Across America, a radio show through San Diego City College, and advocates for musicians through the Musicians Council on Fair Wages. He appeared in several films and TV programs, including HBO’s Treme, NCIS: New Orleans, Capone, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.