Press
Shanghai Nuacht, Edition 104 - interview by Bernadette Dietsche
Paul, a Dublin native, left the security of the famous Coutts bank in 1979 and formed his first band, Bungle Rye, having moved from London to Bath. In the early eighties he started playing the folk circuit and festivals mainly in the west country of England. In 1997 he turned professional with brian leahy, a fellow Dubliner, on piano accordion and Scottish guitarist/songwriter, Paul mcEvoy fom "The Boys From County Hell".
In 2000, with the band split up, Paul decided to base himself in Shanghai where he was resident singer at O'Malleys and played with various touring musicians. His first CD was recorded whilst playing with John Scannell and Shawn Watters under the name "Public House" titled "Deoch an Dorais" or "One for the Road".
What brought you to Shanghai and how long have you been here?
Paul: I was always fascinated by China and in April 1998 I came with my band, Bungle Rye on a 12 week stint to O'Malley's Irish Pub.
Which has evolved into a 12 year stint?
Paul: In 2001 I got involved with The Blarney Stone. I've made very good friends with people from all over the world here in Shanghai, some of whom were amongst the first Blarney Stone customers. Up to then I'd been playing and touring mainly in the UK. Next year I'm hoping to tour in Eastern Canada.
What about visiting musicians?
Paul: At the moment Phil Atkinson turns up regularly to play with us and we're very glad to have him! It's amazing the number of Irish musicians who turn up from time to time. Mary Black, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Dervish and members of Riverdance all joined in our music sessions here.
Tell us about your new CD, which has just been released.
Paul: "The Cow Ate the Piper" differs from my previous CDs. Although rooted in the Irish Folk tradition, it embraces many other styles and influences from the musicians I've played with since living abroad. I was so proud that both my sons, who have a recording studio in London, worked with me on this CD; Finbar, a recording engineer and Joe, who plays the guitar.
The new CD, "The Cow Ate The Piper" is now available. It is distributed by Claddagh Records in Ireland, cost 15Euro.
It is also available at The Blarney Stone in Shanghai cost RMB100. Three copies will cost you RMB270. Five copies RMB400. Please contact Paul at bungle_rye@hotmail.com if you require more or need Cds posted overseas.
The new CD “The Cow Ate The Piper” though still rooted in the Irish folk tradition is much stronger than anything he has done before in that it embraces many other styles and influences from the musicians he played with over what is now his 30th year in music.
In 2011 Paul will tour Eastern Canada, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia with gigs in New York, Boston and Chicago also planned. he has just been invited to play Toronto to complete the tour. Time permitting he will also play a short Irish and UK tour in 2010.
Details of the new CD and the previous CD, Shanghaied are on the CDs page.
