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 CD Western Soul is available here.