Poundin Paul – Any Day I Get to Play The Drums is a Good Day
On the fateful day Poundin Paul first auditioned for Finster’s new band he didn’t know any of the musicians, the name of the band or even his new nickname. As he entered the studio he did not know what to expect.
My favorite thing about drumming for Twisted Finster is playing for “The People.” They always appreciate a good show. I’m on a personal mission to give each and every show 110% because I know the people appreciate it.
We feed off the energy of the audience. The more they are into it the harder we play. It’s amazing how much fun it is.
He’d had just a few days to prepare and was understandably nervous. From the first note of Led Zepplin’s Whole Lotta Love he knew he’d met his new band mates, and had a new nickname, Poundin Paul!
Young Poundin Paul first started playing drums at 9 months old when he was given a set of bongos.
His mother was an opera singer and recognized the boy possessed perfect rhythm. A few years and many S&H Green stamps later, the young drummer earned his first snare drum, stix and cymbals.
In the second grade, he made his performance debut in the school Christmas pageant. At age 9 he took summers worth of lessons, but is otherwise self taught. He joined his first band at age 11, jamming tunes by The Rolling Stones, Grand Funk Railroad, Jeff Beck, Led Zepplin and many others.
He has had a variety of experiences and influences that ranging from Motown and R&B to progressive power trios. Popular and more obscure drummers like; Mitch Mitchell, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker are among his biggest influences.
He is also influenced by more contemporary drummers like; Kenny Arnoff, Lars Ulrich and Ozzy drummers; Tommy Aldredge and Randy Castillo.
Although he has a deep understanding, grasp, and appreciation of the rudiments and fundamentals of straight formulaic drumming, he shines as a melodic drummer, using off-time beats for dramatic effect and hard groove for drive. He has learned to play more for the song and the people than himself.
The improvisational influences of Weather Report, Yes and Chick Corea have helped form his unique style of drumming, “From the Heart”.
He has a soulful singing voice and is a live performance powerhouse of heart, taste, groove and versatility.
Paul has been performing in the Traverse City area for since 1986 with bassist Leo Bass in many bands including; Crazy Train, DUI, Wicked Savyor, Black Rose and Leo Bass and the Blue Gills.
His song “The Wicked Boogie” also appears on KLT’s Northern Michigan Rocks Vol IV CD.
Paul is the proud father of 3 sons, Jacob, Joseph and Elijah. His passions include; music, technology, marketing, swimming and jamming with Twisted Finster.
Poudin Paul Photos from Cherry Festival 2008
Check out Paul’s other sites
Who the Heck is Paul Guyon?
