April 2008

Paul D'Adamo travels to Nashville to work on debut album

Paul D'Adamo of the D'Adamo School of Performing Arts has been spending quite a bit of time in Nashville working on his debut album. D'Adamo will be performing vocals and keyboards as well as executive producing the album scheduled for a December 2008 release.

“It is quite an undertaking being an executive producer and artist on an album,” D'Adamo said. “I've had to redefine my work ethic and realign my priorities when it comes to time management and getting the results I know I'm capable of.”

Several industry icons will be joining D'Adamo on what seems like a fantasy album to him.

“It's very surreal to be working with musicians of this caliber who I've seen numerous times live,” D'Adamo said. “It's like I'm working with those who I've idolized throughout my career.”

Paul has teamed up with legendary keyboardist and producer, Brad Cole, who has been the keyboardist for Phil Collins since 1988.

“I will be playing on the album,” D'Adamo said. “But I feel Brad gives my songs more of a dynamic character with his playing than I do. This is a chair that we both share.”

Cole has also worked with Chaka Khan, Paula Abdul, Gino Vanelli, Dave Koz and Supertramp.

Daryl Stuermer, who has played with Genesis since 1978 and Phil Collins since 1981, will lend his expertise to the album. Daryl Stuermer also performed with jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty for many years.

On the drum throne for D'Adamo's debut album is Chester Thompson. Thompson has been the touring drummer with Genesis since 1976 and with Phil Collins' solo tours since 1981.

Thompson has also worked with Weather Report and Frank Zappa during his career.

“It's amazing that I'm doing this project with the rhythm section of the Phil Collins Band,” D'Adamo said. “I still can't believe that I've gotten the opportunity to work with these musicians.”

Also working on the project at drums with D'Adamo will be Elton John's drummer, Charlie Morgan. Morgan has shared the stage with Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Cher and The Moody Blues.

Picking up the bass guitar for the album is Duane Stuermer, brother of Daryl Stuermer. Duane Stuermer has performed with the Daryl Stuermer Band and renowned jazz group, Sweetbottom. He also plays bass with Spider George and the Web, a Milwaukee-based band.

“Duane has many of the same musical styles as bass-great Alphonso Johnson,” D'Adamo said.

Also performing on the album is saxophonist and North Texas master's graduate Alan Burton, who has been playing in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with the top performers for the last 25 years.

Burton has also been playing saxophone and flute with D'Adamo's band, Plan B.

"Alan is very much like Brad when it comes to interpreting what I want,” D'Adamo said. “He is an incredible player and a truly a mainstay perfomer on my album."

Guitarist and songwriter Chris Remediani will fly from New York City to Nashville in June to help with the recording of the album.

“Chris has been a close dear friend of mine since 1985,” D'Adamo said. “I wouldn't think of not having him play on this album and be part of this dream of mine.”

Remediani wrote the music to one of D'Adamo's favorite tracks on the album, Tell me Somethin' .

“By far these musicians have been some of the nicest people I have ever had the experience of working with,” D'Adamo said. “I am in great company and am learning more about the studio experience than I anticipated.”

The collaboration is being recorded at The Colemine Studio in Nashville. The Colemine has been owned-and-operated by Cole since 1992.

“I wouldn't record the album anyplace else,” D'Adamo said. “The studio has a very relaxing environment that helps an artist get the most out of every session.”

D'Adamo and company have a lot of work ahead of them with the album but D'Adamo is happy with where his career has taken him.

“I wanted to create an album with many purposes,” D'Adamo said. “Everything on this album is about life experience. The listener will be able to feel what I went through at that time. It's a musical autobiography.”

Check back for sound clips and videos from Paul's future recording sessions in Nashville.

January 2008

The D'Adamo School of Performing Arts recognized as a premiere company by The City of Dallas.