About Paul wrightson
where it all began
Paul began performing in pop groups in 1968 playing covers of 1960's hits. By his second or third band, music was rapidly changing to reflect the heavier style of progressive rock. Following the early influence of the Rolling Stones came that of Led Zeppelin, Free and Jethro Tull. The venues changed from working men's clubs to heavy rock venues such as the Moonstone and the Babalou in Liverpool specialising in ‘underground’ bands. The heavy riff became the order of the day.
early 80’s
Paul continued working in resident hotel bands, pub-rock bands such as Merseyside band Spring Heel Jack and professional theatre, playing in Bill Nighy's backing band in a run at the Everyman theatre in Liverpool. In the early 80’s Paul played lead guitar with progressive rock band Origin, composing some original tracks and recording at Amazon Studios in Liverpool which later became Parr Street Studios
1984
In 1984 he completed two tours in Germany playing lead guitar with Klassix. Covering rock songs from Bowie to Queen, the line up included Mal Coram drums and percussion, Geoff Abbott vocals, Rocky Greenham bass, and Frank Beliki on keyboards.
from student
to teacher
In the mid 70’s, to broaden his musical background and expertise Paul had started his classical training at the Liverpool Matthay School of music where hours of scale practice and music theory were relieved by meeting local musicians in a Penny Lane café for fried egg sandwiches and the latest band news. In the 80’s three more years of training followed at Sandown College of Performing Arts where he graduated in music and drama in 1987, later gaining post graduate qualifications. At this time Paul was teaching guitar professionally in a wide range of styles including rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, folk, classical and country rock.
Over the next years Paul performed regularly in duo “The Movies”, also joining other bands on occasions, including R&B band ‘Out of the Blue’.
The 1990's saw many previous influences coming together in what Paul describes as his ‘English medieval folk-rock genre’. Better known for his skills as a lead guitarist this departure into acoustic styles reflected his former classical training and a leaning towards folk styles, while still retaining the drive of rock rhythms. Under this broad umbrella can be tasted a cocktail of musical flavours including Mike Oldfield, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Jethro Tull, Steeleye Span, Gryphon and Amazing Blondel.
He wanted to write lyrics that meant something to him and to sing his own songs in his voice rather than in a transatlantic accent. His guitar style had evolved out of everything else he had done, and many influences had inspired this fusion which is his own style and not just some blues-based pentatonic ramble.
The 90’s
In 1995 Paul launched his own record label for the release of his two albums ‘Horses Fire and Steam’ and ‘Priory Knight’, to coincide with a concert at Birkenhead Priory. Subsequently Paul performed two tracks from the albums for a Linda McDemott show on radio Merseyside.
Performing as a solo artist enabled Paul to showcase his own compositions generated over this period. He regularly played venues such as Alexander’s Theatre Bar in Chester on one occasion standing in for Mick Abrahams ex Jethro Tull guitarist.
In 1996, invited to play in the Wirral International Guitar Festival, he was able to perform tracks from his most recent albums. Also performing at this event were his old guitar hero Joe Brown and Mick Taylor ex Rolling Stones.
In June 1998 Paul re-opened the once famous Black Horse Hill Folk Club. Numerous acts had started out there in its 30-year history, including Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty. The weekly folk club ran very successfully, often featuring a wide variety of acts. Geoff Speed of Radio Merseyside was duly interested and interviewed Paul about the club in June 1998.
At the millenium Paul returned to his Merseyside roots recording an album heavily influenced by the Merseybeat era, 60’s retro pop and aptly named ‘MerseybeatUp’.
From 2009 to 2019 Paul played lead guitar with West Midlands Soul Band, ‘Soul Supply’, engaged for UK wide corporate functions and open-air festivals.
Paul also played with the KinkStones and worked in duos with several different musicians as well as solo for hotels in the west midlands.
More recently Paul made a pivotal move into a more experimental phase of composition for his latest album, ‘Right on the Edge’. After years of band work and collaboration he has returned to his solo career, composing, playing all instruments, singing lead and backing vocals, and recording the album in his studio.
Explore the music
A blend of rock, folk, and acoustic influences shaped by years of performing and writing. His songs reflect a genuine love of storytelling through guitar and voice. Take a moment to listen and share in the sounds that have inspired his journey.
“They’ve got me right on the edge, in the city of fools”