|
Born in Birmingham,
England in 1956, Paul was exposed from an early age to a heady cocktail of rhythm
and blues, swing jazz and the folk music of the rural country blues
singers. His father (who had been a drummer with various jazz groups) had
appeared with Lonnie
Johnson, whose playing was later to prove a major influence on
Paul’s guitar style. He was taught piano from the age of six, then a
couple of years later, the guitar. He set about learning a repertoire of
American folk songs many of which he still sings today.
By the mid 1970's he
began taking professional engagements in folk/blues clubs and colleges. He
appeared on the 1978 tour of blues legends Sonny
Terry and Brownie McGee and toured the club and concert circuit
with the infamous Winfield
Brothers
playing hokum blues, western swing and Hawaiian music.
Moving to
Leeds
in Yorkshire Paul played in northern folk and blues clubs and in
Holland
and
Germany
with Brendan
Croker, before recording an album of his own songs. Further tours
of clubs and festivals, this time with guitarist
Chris
Newman
led to the recording of the album Red Hot Blues and Swing.
Whilst on a trip to
Ireland
, Paul discovered a lively and diverse musical scene in the area of Co
Donegal. Here he began to write and record with musicians living in the
area and the band that came out of it became known as The Western Souls.
As
well as writing new songs, Paul pays homage to his musical roots in the
form of a trio who play in bars around Co Donegal. Their music policy is
that they play nothing written after Elvis joined the army!
His
brand new CD Western Soul is available here. |
