Paul Wood
From recording and touring with JOHN LEE HOOKER - to opening for JAMES BROWN and THE TUBES - to storming BEALE STREET with THE BRIDGEBURNERS in Memphis, PAUL WOOD has been knocking out audiences worldwide with his slashing guitar and houserockin' vocals. PAUL WOOD gives the people from Oakland to Amsterdam to Memphis what they want, especially in a live setting.
Homebase: Memphis, TN. (1997 to present); Native of Oakland, CA.; Amsterdam (1995-97).
Professional Highlights
Paul was a member of JOHN LEE HOOKER'S COAST TO COAST BLUES BAND for two years and recorded:
"Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive", John Lee Hooker and The Coast To Coast Blues Band, featuring Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison. (ABC/Dunhill) "Born In Mississippi, Raised Up In Tennessee", John Lee Hooker and The Coast To Coast Blues Band, featuring Mark Laftalin, Elvin Bishop, Van Morrison, Don "Sugarcane" Harris and The Pointer Sisters. (ABC/Dunhill) "Kabuki Wuki", John Lee Hooker and The Coast To Coast Blues Band live album, featuring L.C. "Good Rockin'" Robinson and Van Morrison. (ABC/Dunhill)
Paul has opened for these artists in concert:
JAMES BROWN ALBERT KING THE TUBES ALBERT COLLINS STEPHEN STILLS
Paul shared billing with these artists for four consecutive years at the Monterey Blues Festival:
ROBERT CRAY RUTH BROWN ETTA JAMES JAMES COTTON JOHN MAYALL DR. JOHN
INFO/BOOKING: (601) 893-8217 -or- (510) 339-1922 A Word From a BIG Fan: Paul Wood - a man most certainly of many talents and if I don't say so myself, a great storyteller. These next few paragraphs are from the perspective of one that has been privileged enough to have actually known the man, played the Blues with him, and spent a not unconsiderable and most definitely entertaining amount of time in his company.
Right off the bat, I can say that Paul has lived the Blues to an extent that gives him a perspective available only to those on the inside. He also has a marked talent for celebration - whether it be of the little things in life or of life itself. He can express that talent in many ways, including his "Yeah! I can relate to that!" turn of phrase and his wit, charm, style and grace.
The first time I met Paul was through a phone conversation instigated by a man known to be "The Debil" himself. What struck me initially was Paul's voice - a deep resonating slightly gravelly voice, with a definite undertone of pure humor - I liked the man from the first words he spoke to me! In my minds eye, I could actually "see" the quirky smile and twinkle in his eye.
As I got to know the man better, having been in a few musical groups with him, I was often floored by his awesome guitar playing ability. He was a natural. And his adaptability to any situation, wherein he was called upon to perform in many different styles of music cemented in my mind that he was highly talented.
Paul and I transitioned from being "sidemen" with a nationally known act to forming our own groups in which we were better able to determine our own direction. It was at this point that I fully realized what a monster talent Paul really was. This guy was definitely on a mission and that mission was to head straight to the top of the Blues charts!
His knowledge of the Blues is immense and he conveys that knowledge through his playing. Listen to his voice and you'll instantly be transported to the Mississippi Delta. He crafts his songs with a depth of artistry found only in those whom can portray complete originality.
I could go on indefinitely, but I'll close by simply saying: "Buy his music! Get to his gigs! You WON'T be disappointed!" And if you ever get the chance to hear him tell one of his seemingly endless repertoire of stories?....jump on it! Chances are, you'll walk away wiser and you'll definitely walk away smiling!
Johnny Blue (aka JW) Artist at large Somewhere in California Spring - 2003
:: Discography ::
- Pirate Radio -
- Blues is My Business -
- The Bridgeburner -
:: Contact ::
Website: http://www.paul-wood.com/
Email: paul-wood@paul-wood.com