PAUL GREENE
Over the
past few years Paul Greene has been given the thumbs up by John Butler, The
Waifs & Ani DiFranco, hi-jacked by Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst and served
as the inspiration behind Ben Harper's 'Diamonds On The Inside'. He has sold
nearly 30,000 albums; however, you won't see his name on any charts, as Greene
has taken a staunchly independent path which has led him on a journey through
countless festivals, bar rooms and concert halls across Australia.
Greene's
forthcoming release 'Distance Over Time' is poised to introduce his undeniable
talents to the mainstream. From the radio friendly 'Pretty Girls' through
to the timeless balladry of 'Shine Like Gold' there's something on offer for
both new and long-time fans. Throughout the album's 18 tracks Greene morphs
into the tongue in cheek pop poser ('Let It Flow', 'Singalong'), the introspective
tunesmith ('Picture', 'Something To Talk About'); the devoted husband/lover
('Whatever Happens', 'Shine Like Gold') and the homesick troubadour ('Jervis
Bay'); then switches to the folk-hop groove of 'Get Over It' (which will be
accompanied by a new video/surf clip), and the sublime pop of 'This Way'.
There are also studio recordings of the oft requested 'Work Love Dance Trust',
'Some Simplicity' and 'Jervis Bay' from his popular live album 'Happy Here
with You'. Never hesitant to put his own spin on classic songs, Greene's also
included stunning interpretations of The Waterboys' 'The Whole Of The Moon'
and Jeff Buckley's 'The Last Goodbye' - a JJJ favourite lifted from the Buckley
tribute album 'Stars In Their Belly'.
'Distance
Over Time' is a phenomenal showcase for Paul Greene's songwriting skills,
justifying the many critics who regard him as one of Australian music's best-kept
secrets. Sydney Morning Herald's Bernard Zuel remarked how he moves effortlessly
"from rustic folk-pop to unreconstructed rocker; from herbal roots ex-surfer
type to intense singer-songwriter". "Greene's genuine songwriting
stands above all else" proclaimed the Newcastle Herald; "You could
be forgiven for thinking we may have our own Jack Johnson but Greene is more
than that!" exclaims the Daily Telegraph. DIG radio says, "Paul
Greene is growing into one of the best Australian singer songwriters"
whilst Nova called his music "refreshingly honest and as catchy as you
like" before anointing him Australia's best unsigned acoustic act in
2007.
Greene
has been performing with various bands live since the age of 12, and has been
a full time musician since completing high school. He had a three year scholarship
at the University of Southern California where he studied recording arts and
began showcasing his songwriting at such venues as the Whisky Au Go Go and
The Roxy on Hollywood's Sunset Strip. As a hobby, Greene competed in track
and field where he represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games,
and was twice a Commonwealth Games finalist - leading somewhat of a double
life - but supporting himself through music the whole time. He spent 2005
working with Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst in the duo Hirst & Greene releasing
the album 'In the Stealth of Summer' [ABC/Warner] and the DVD 'Hirst &
Greene - Live at the Basement'.
With 2008
shaping up as a big year for Paul Greene he will be hitting the road for a
series of shows commencing mid March to promote the forthcoming album. Paul
has been confirmed as the national support for the much loved, Grammy nominated
U.S singer/songwriter Patty Griffin and on a number of dates with platinum
selling country rocker Adam Brand whose recent work has seen him cross over
into the pop charts. |