Description
Credit Paul Benjaman for carrying on that fabled Tulsa musical heritage, the 'Tulsa Sound', courtesy of a career that's found him and his namesake outfit, the Paul Benjaman Band, releasing an ongoing series of highly acclaimed albums that continue to indelibly inscribe his imprint on that unique and signature sound.
With his new album, the wryly titled My Bad Side Wants a Good Time, Paul and company further expound upon the groove-laden approach that remains so essential to the Sooner State's revered traditions. Due for release on June 7 via Horton Records, some of the songs were recorded in the restored environs of Church Studio in Tulsa, the former home of Shelter Records once owned and operated by Leon Russell.
The recording efforts have clearly paid off, while also remaining true to the vision Paul had for the album early on. "I wanted make a record that encompassed the sounds coming out of that historic studio in it's glory days," he reflects. "Now, when I listen back, I find that it also echoes a vibe that was consistent with the diverse sounds once heard during the glory days of rock and roll radio. I can almost hear a deejay talking up each track while segueing between songs."
Ultimately, it's clear that Paul is both diligent and dedicated to a certain form and finesse. He was tutored by the legendary country guitarist Junior Brown, and it was Brown who inspired Paul's original approach to guitar and his gravitation towards groove. "When Junior Brown gave me guitar lessons, he taught me the basics of blues, country and surf music, and also introduced me to what became my lifelong obsession with Jimi Hendrix," Paul recalls. "My interest in jazz and any number of players from several different genres came later, but it was Junior who convinced me that I could play all styles of music and eventually incorporate them into my performances. My style originates from an attempt to pay tribute to the musicians who inspired me, while also attempting to blaze a new path forward".
Outside of songwriting and performing, Paul excels as a both bandleader and a musician for hire, which has offered him opportunity to perform with a diverse array of artists, including Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, Gary Busey, Jamie Johnson, George Porter Junior of The Meters, and John Densmore of the Doors -- among the many. He played alongside John Fullbright on the Tulsa Review Tour, which found Fullbright performing as part of Paul's band, and he also made an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" backing up the Secret Sisters, who he's supported on several occasions.
Paul and his band have made multiple tours of Europe and the U.S., all part of his continuing efforts to bring added attention to his beloved Tulsa Sound. So too, the press has taken note, he's received kudos from Rolling Stone, American Songwriter and Paste Magazine.
Suffice it to say that with his new album, My Bad Side Wants a Good Time, those good times are bound to continue.
