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Paul Pesco is a very talented American guitarist. He played guitar and bass on two tracks of The Art Of McCartney project. He was very kind to answered Maccaclub’s questions about his work.

 

First, were you a Beatles or McCartney ‘s fan ? 

 

I am definitely a Beatles fan. And that makes me a Paul McCartney fan, as well. So, the answer is: yes and yes!

 

You worked with Smokey Robinson on “So Bad”. 

How did you meet him?

 

The producer of the album, Ralph Sall and Peter McCabe, his engineer contacted me. I have worked on many projects with Ralph and Peter.

 

Was it a great experience to play with such a legend ?

 

A: it is an honor to work with a true musical legend. Such a great experience! I am nothing but grateful for the opportunity.

 

You play acoustic guitar on “So Bad” ?  

 

 I play acoustic and electric guitar on "So Bad".

Who are the others musicians ? Did it take a long time to record it ?

 

The other musicians on the two songs that I play is Paul McCartney's band. So, it was like being in the McCartney band for a day. So cool!

His band is made up of some of the greatest players. Like Abe Laboriel Jr. 

A superb drummer!

It did not take a long time to record. 

Paul's songs seem to just roll off my guitar.

 

You play bass and guitar on “My Love” for Harry Connick Jr. 

Another great artist. 

How did you connect with him ? 

 Again it was Ralph Sall and Peter McCabe that gave me the call. I was in the middle of taping my new reality music television show called "Paul Pesco Live", when I received the phone all. So, the moment was captured on video. So cool!

They actually had already recorded the song. But Harry needed it to be in a different key. And they needed it right away. I recorded the tracks for both songs in my own studio. I engineered the recording sessions, as well.

How was the recording ?

 

On “My Love” there’s a famous guitar solo.created by Henry McCullough.

Did you enjoy playing it ? 

Did you change it a bit ?

 

I recorded the guitar solo pretty much the same as the original. It is such a signature solo. To me it is as important to the song as the vocal melody. It was great fun to do that. Mainly because I know the solo from hearing it so many times on the radio over the years. 

However, Harry wanted to do the solo on the piano. He is a great pianist, and he is the featured artist. So they used Harry's piano solo.

 

Recently, you worked with the british singer Rumer for her new album. 

 

Yes. I play on almost every song on Rumer's new album. 

 

You met her at Daryl Hall show ?

 

That is correct. I met Rumer when she came to Daryl Hall's house as the musical guest for an episode of "Live From Daryl's House" or LFDH. Daryl Hall's hit reality music television program. I was the musical director and lead guitarist on the show for four years. Rumer and I immediately hit it off. We did a beautiful version of "Sara Smile". I played the opening riff on nylon string guitar. It came out so nice. I am very proud of that! She asked me if I would like work with her on her new album right there.

 

You said that that she respects musicians. 

 

Some artists (no names here) treat musicians like they are "the help".

Like servants.

 

It’s not always like that with other artists ?

 

Unfortunately, it is not always the case. I have been lucky, though. I think that I have had the opportunity to work with some of the nicest people. I am very fortunate!

 

You also said that you believe in this album with Rumer. 

You felt it in studio ?

 

Yes, sometimes you can just feel it as you are recording the song. The band on this album is just the best. Shawn Pelton on drums, Zev Katz on bass and Rob Shirakbari on keyboards. As we were playing the songs down, and Rumer started to sing, you could just feel the music coming together in a very organic way. Like a crystal  forming in front of you. If you can imagine that. 

Or like watching the sun set over the horizon. Just spectacular!

 

When you were a kid, you read the credits on albums to see who played on it. 

Now your name is on a lot of records with so greatest artists (Madonna, Alicia Keys, Hall & Oates, Steve Winwoods, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Cindy Lauper, Joan Baez, Roberta Flack, Celine Dion, Donna Summer, Al Green and many more). 

Are you proud of it ?

 

Yes, I am very proud of my achievements. 

It is a dream come true. 

It is what I originally set out to do!

And what I continue to do!

So, "bring it on!" Is what I say.

 

You met Madonna when she was still unknown. It’s amazing.

 

I first met Madonna when she was auditioning to be a background singer for an artist by the name of Patrick Hernandez. The guy who sang "Born To Be Alive". 

That was very early on in her career. 

She has done fairly well since then, don't you think?

 

What about your solo career ? 

Did you recorded new songs ?

 

I am in the middle of a new solo album. The first song is available on iTunes. It is called "Make Nice". It is my latest release, and the beginning of my new solo effort. I am also working on a new reality music television show. It is called: "Paul Pesco Live". I have received so much fan mail from LFDH fans that miss me being on that show. 

 

What are you next projects ? 

 

Actually, besides the new album and TV show, I am developing a documentary film and stage show. It will consist of studio musicians talking about the various hit records that they played on and story behind the session. And believe me, for every hit song, there is a story behind the making of that song. My aim is to educate as well as entertain. We will present the film with a live band made up of the musicians in the film.

We will show a clip of the film showing the interview with archive footage and photos, then immediately play the song live. 

This concept is in the beginning stages.

But stay tuned it will be coming soon!

 

Any tour ?

 

No tours on the calendar at the moment. 

But you never know what tomorrow might bring.

Thanks Paul to answer Maccaclub !

 

Thank you!