On Thursday, June 13th, at 7:30 PM, Paul Benjaman will take the stage with his band, bringing the authentic Tulsa Sound to life. A true embodiment of this iconic genre, Benjaman has been featured in Rolling Stone, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, and has even graced the stage of the Jimmy Fallon Show. Building on the classic Tulsa Sound pioneered by legends like J.J. Cale and Leon Russell, Paul Benjaman infuses this groove-based genre with a powerful dose of guitar prowess, making it Totally Tulsa.

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.” 

 

A former student of the genre-bending Junior Brown, Paul focuses on groove and original guitar styles. His ventures as a bandleader and sideman have taken him across the musical landscape, collaborating with a diverse array of artists including Steve Earle, Jamie Johnson, George Porter Junior (The Meters), John Densmore (The Doors), Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, and Gary Busey. His road experience includes tours with Grammy-nominated John Fullbright, including the Tulsa Review Tour where Fullbright was also part of Paul’s band, and an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon as a sideman for the T Bone Burnett-produced Secret Sisters.

 

Benjaman's dedication to the Tulsa Sound has seen him perform multiple tours across Europe and the States, spreading his unique take on this beloved genre. His work has been recognized in major publications, earning press in American Songwriter, Paste Magazine, and Rolling Stone.

 

His hot press accolades include:
 

Paste Magazine April 2019

 

Don't miss this opportunity to witness Paul Benjaman live, as he continues to honor and evolve the Tulsa Sound with his dynamic performances. For more information and to listen to his music, visit Paul Benjaman on Bandcamp.