Paul Benshoof's music is like going back to the golden era of rock

Aug. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- PAUL BENSHOOF

Paul Benshoof began his musical career in high school by writing rock ‘n roll songs.  He also performed with school acquaintances.  Paul progressed into an acoustic folk soloist while attending college in upstate New York.   In 1986 a college friend dared him to record an album.  Six albums later, that ‘dare’ proved to be fruitful in many ways.  His audience grew and Paul returned back to his rock ‘n roll roots and cemented his place as a folk/rock artist.  

Paul Benshoof is highlighting three singles, “One Guitar”, “Still I Sing” and “Can’t Say Goodbye”.  

“One Guitar” is from the Won’t You Leave Me Alone? album, released in 1994.  “Still I Sing” and “Can’t Say Goodbye” are from the Still I Sing album, released in 2006.  However, “One Guitar” and “Can’t Say Goodbye” will also be included on Paul’s forthcoming Best of… album, expected to be released in 2011.

“One Guitar” is a metaphor for that one elusive thing that everyone desperately strives to find, and while there are many imitators that might come close, we only find complete satisfaction in the real thing.  

“Still I Sing” is a significant title on two fronts.  Paul wrote it after a 12-year hiatus from recording new material and definitively answered the question that so many had asked during his period of silence--indeed, he still sings.  Additionally, the song was recorded in a small apartment, much to the dismay of his neighbors who threatened him with legal action if he didn’t cease and desist.  The threat energized him to redouble his recording efforts, knowing that at any given moment, he could be shut down.  His perseverance to finish recording despite the obstacles coupled with the longing for the days when he could play music freely without fear of repercussion culminated into this song.

“Can’t Say Goodbye” was written out of frustration during the ‘Still I Sing’ recording sessions. Ironically, the writing of this song kept him away from home for an extended period of time.  This is essentially  what the song is about.

The Won’t You Leave Me Alone? album is largely an album that metaphorically searches for answers, explores a variety of choices, and examines the repercussions of poor decisions.  The album’s music reflect this scattered thinking in a variety of styles, ranging from soft acoustic folk guitar to jazz piano to heavier electric arrangements.  One Guitar bridges these styles as an acoustic piece backed by a driving rhythm section, while its lyrics reinforce the agony of the search.

The Still I Sing album is also stylistically diverse, blending Paul’s knack for catchy melodies, rich harmonies, and coherent lyrics into dynamic arrangements.  His efforts unambiguously remind the listener that music is still very much part of his life and promises to remain so for the foreseeable future.  Still I Sing and Can’t Say Goodbye are the album’s bookends, first establishing Paul as a persevering musician despite profound obstacles and then ending with an acknowledgement that he couldn’t stop even if he wanted to.

“One Guitar” is a lyrical wonder with great harmonies.  It almost has a feel of earlier Beatles tunes with similar arrangements.  You just smile through the entire song.  This song brings back memories of when I was young.  Perhaps it will do the same for you.

“Still I Sing” reveals an eclectic story teller who uses instrumental, both acoustic and electronic to allow the theme to flow.

“Can’t Say Goodbye” has delicate piano accompaniment whose introduction sets the stage of a moment in time in a café.  This very nice story line is a pleasure to listen to.  

CD releases are:

A Bit Too Close – 1986
I’d Rather Wait for a Ride – 1987
One Too Many Women – 1988
The Man that You Never Knew – 1991
Won’t You Leave Me Alone? – 1994 (features One Guitar)
Still I Sing – 2006 (features Still I Sing and Can’t Say Goodbye)

Paul’s music has been featured in a number of independent movies including The Lost Navigators, The COE Story and Datum P.I.

Paul Benshoof is currently working with A & R Select in West Hollywood, Ca. for licensing, publishing, a record deal and/or placement opportunities. For additional information, please contact them at:

323-924-5897
www.arselect.com

You can listen to and/or purchase his music by logging onto the following websites:

www.promofm.com (search:  Paul Benshoof)
www.myspace.com/paulbenshoof
www.zianet.com/minstrel (search:  Paul Benshoof)
www.zianet.com/tmpb/artists/benshoof
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/PaulBenshoof

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A & R Select is a promotional and placement company for musicians all over the world. Based in Hollywood, Ca., they have a strategic location for all musicians as they continually flock to that area of the world for recognition and stardom.