Biography
Paul’s music is best described as a captivating fusion of alternative/pop and classical. He composes and performs both instrumental pieces and songs. With influences such as modern day artists; Ben Folds, Pink Floyd, Turin Brakes and composers such as Barber and Rachmaninov, singer-songwriter Paul Dunton offers something different. With national reviews hailing the breathtaking live sound and sheer originality and atmosphere of his works, The Tunbridge Wells based performer has firmly made his mark on the musical landscape and is due to provide the soundtrack for an upcoming international film release.
Drawing on a decade of rich musical experience, Paul is one of those rare talents equally at home on stage or in the recording studio. Original and captivating melodies are effortlessly supported by expertly crafted classical arrangements that reveal a songwriter very much at ease with the power of music to communicate. For smaller intimate shows Paul (piano/vocals) performs with along side his quintet know as the ‘Crew’. The ethereal live sound features Cello, violins, guitar and Flute. Paul has just released his third album entitled ‘Escapism’ which is available for purchase at live performances or through his website. The album is live CD/DVD twin pack featuring Paul’s larger Crew know as
The Paul Dunton Orchestra, which comprises a line up of up to 8 violins & 8 Cellos along with guitar, Flute and vocalist Fiona Keeler. Paul continues to actively gig all over the UK at numerous festivals and venues with recent performances including The Assembly Halls Theatre in Tunbridge Wells and the highly revered Union Chapel in Islington. Paul is the resident artist at the Grey Lady Music Lounge in his home town of Tunbridge Wells and his regular shows at ‘The Music Room’ at Pizzaexpress, Maidstone have consistently sold out since their inception in 2008. He is due to tour the east coast of America in July 2011.
Paul’s growing success has not taken away from his own personal passion – local live music. This commitment to live music led to Paul being the first ever contemporary artist to be offered a weekly residency at the Grey Lady Music Lounge in Tunbridge Wells. Resisting the highly competitive nature of the music world, Paul took the unusual step to grow this into a showcase for original local music and over a 5 year period ‘An Evening with Paul Dunton & Guests’ has become recognised as one of the most popular and professionally run original acoustic shows in the South East. More details at www.paulduntonandguests.com
Building on this success, Paul founded ‘Local & Live’, a ground-breaking free festival of original acoustic music featuring 52 of the 180 local artists that now regularly play at his Grey Lady showcases. Held annually over the late August bank holiday weekend on The Pantiles Bandstand, the event regularly attracts audiences in excess of 12,000 year upon year. It is now regarded as a cornerstone of the Kent musical calendar. More details at www.localandlive.org
