Paul stared on the bass at age 13, studied classical in college with bassist Robert Mellin, but began playing in earnest in late 1979 with the old time band, The Chicken Chokers (Rounder). A re-formulated an acoustic version of that band in the late 1990’s as Primitive Characters produced The Leavin’s on Ray Alden’s Chubby Dragon label. An attempt at re-creating the Holy Modal Rounders resulted in Second Slam (Muddy River Records) an electroacoustic extravaganza produced by Bob Jordan in 2000, which includes some of Paul’s original songs.
Since the mid-1980s Paul has been part of the “ragtag trio” backing up blues legend Spider John Koerner when he visits New England, although this year they are headed to County Cork for a June festival. Paul was also an early member of The Tarbox Ramblers and an original member of the Eilen Jewel Band. His current electric project, called Dolly, with JoePete Wetherbee (Hubcaps) and Bob Metzger (Leonard Cohen), plays occasionally at Sally Obriens in Somerville.