Music has always been a part of Paulo's life, from the time his maternal grandmother sang to him as an infant.  Paulo has been playing guitar since he was boy. He began by playing classical guitar at the age of 9, and a life long love affair with stringed instruments began.

After a few years in the Acoustic Duo Tucker & Counsel from 93-94, Paulo took some time away from the guitar.  In 2005, his journey as an attorney brought him to the Virginia State Bar where he met his friend and colleague, Jim McCauley.  At the time, Jim needed a guitar player for his project the Silverback Blues Burners.  Paulo got the job with the Bar and the gig!!

After a few years playing in cover bands, he decided that a dream delayed was a dream denied.  He began writing music in 2008 and in earnest in 2010.  His passion for music led him to record his first CD of original music, which is titled By The Light Of A Paper Moon.

Paulo has many influences in music. Classic Rock like the Allmans, Neil Young, Little Feat, The Dead, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Punk, Ska, Old School Country, alt country (Steve Earle, Jayhawks, Wilco, Son Volt, Drive By Truckers), Red Dirt (Cross Canadian Ragweed, Reckless Kelly) the blues, Latin, 80s and 90s alternative, grunge, the list goes on and on.  Although his father was born and raised in Colombia he fell in love with American country music.  Paulo Sr. and Paulo Jr. were big fans of Johnny Cash's variety show in the 60s and 70s, and Paulo Sr. always loved the music of Glen Campbell.

Artists that Paulo includes in his solo acoustic set include Bob Dylan, Doug Sahm, Wilco, Son Volt, Drive By Truckers, Gram Parsons, The Dead, Little Feat, Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, Slaid Cleeves, Steve Earle, Pure Prarie League, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Paul Westerberg, and more.

When it comes down to answering the Eternal Rock and Roll Question, Beatles or the Rolling Stones, Paulo checks the Stones box.  But, he shares a birthday with George Harrison (February 25) and the first album he ever bought when he was six, was Let It Be.  Be sure to ask him the story about when he bought Let it Be.   John Doe of X fame and Virginia music legend Dr. Ralph Stanley are also February 25th Native Sons. 

You can hear the variety of influences on By the Light of a Paper Moon. It's hard to pigeon hole how this music might be classified - you'll hear elements of country in Cold Roses, Going All In and Whiskey, and power pop in I Could See It In Your Eyes and Kiss Goodnight.  You can hear the blues in Lordy Mama and Tennessee Therapy.  The rythym track on Kiss Goodnight is a nod to the Beatles.

While not working on his original music, Paulo plays bass with Richmond bad Luz Del Sol.

Gear:

Electric Guitars - 1972 Telecaster; 1979 Fender Stratocaster, 2009 Gibson SG - Faded, 2001 DeArmond 12-String
Acoustic Guitars - 2012 Gibson J200 STandard, 2008 Gibson Songwriter Deluxe, 1992 Taylor 815-c, Taylor 355 12-String
Amps - Vox Heritage AC-15 50th Anniversay; Dr. Z Maz 18, Jr., 1968 Fender Bassman, Mesa Boogie Express 5:50, Fender Hot Rod DeVille, Mesa 4x12 3/4 open back cab
Effects - Fulltone Fulle Drive 2 w/Mosfet, EH Tremelo, EH - Holy Grail Reverb, Boss DD-5 Delay, TC Corona Chorus