October 2001 Feature Story

Paul de Lay: Still in Rotation

by Phil Chesnut

To blues aficionados in the Northwest, Paul deLay is considered a hugely talented singer/songwriter and harpmaster, bordering on genius. To the rest of the blues world, deLay is considered a hugely talented singer/songwriter and harpmaster, bordering on genius...Clearly, Paul deLay is no longer just a NW treasure; he's a national treasure. With the release of his new CD "Heavy Rotation," deLay adds to his reputation of being one of the most unique and original creators of blues music anywhere.

Photo copyright Phil Chesnut

Paul deLay has been entertaining blues fans in the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years, teaming early in his career with such well-known Portland musicians as Lloyd Jones, Jim Mesi, and Jimmy Lloyd Rey from the Brown Sugar days. Being from the Northwest, Paul didn't receive a strong Chicago influence.

Since the "wake-up call" Paul has celebrated 11 years of sobriety, and has turned into an amazing songwriter and stylist. With new found clarity of thought, Paul's attitude and perspective underwent a profound change. This change was reflected in the band, too. Gone were the tried-and-true blues covers, which were instead replaced by deLay's clever lyrics. Gone also was the traditional blues instrumentation and arrangement-replaced by a complementary weave of instruments that often resembles a horn section, with influences from blues, as well as jazz and gospel.

With deLay's sobriety came a flood of new songs. These songs became fodder for the band's first two CDs, "The Other One"(1991) and "Paulzilla"(1992). Both discs were received well and were a positive indication of things to come, but those things to come would have to wait for Paul to finish a 3-year prison term. When Paul deLay was released in early 1995, he hit the ground running. With volumes of fresh original songs waiting to be put to music, deLay and his bandmates recorded two more terrific albums, "Ocean of Tears"(1996) and "Nice and Strong"(1998), both on the Evidence label. Evidence also re-released those first two CDs, issued on one CD titled "Take It From the Turnaround." For his next project, deLay took a short sabbatical from his band to record in Chicago with Rockin' Johnny Burgin's band and blues legend Jimmy Dawkins. These sessions became "deLay Does Chicago" (1998).

Paul deLay and his band have been recognized as some of the best, with two W.C. Handy Award (Blues Foundation) nominations and an armful of Muddy Awards (Cascade Blues Association)-and the accolades have just begun. With their new release, "Heavy Rotation," it's obvious that this is a very tight band. The majority of the band members have been evolving together for many years. Each band member has a wide range of musical knowledge and experience, and doesn't feel the need to show off, knowing the main focus is to help Paul tell his stories as powerfully as possible.

Guitarist Peter Dammann has been with deLay since 1987. He studied classical guitar and jazz for years, and brings those influences to the band. Peter also received the Blues Foundation's "Keeping the Blues Alive Award" for organizing and promoting Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival for the past 8 years. To give a minimalist approach to the new album, the electric bass was removed. So, Louis Pain plays double duty on the Hammond B3, working the harmonies with his right hand and a very interesting bass line with his left hand. Dan Fincher has been playing saxophone to Paul's harmonica for over 11 years, and they've created a very unique groove and texture to their sound. The newest member is drummer Kelly Dunn, a multi-talented musician who rounds out this exceptional ensemble.

His fifth CD on the Evidence label, "Heavy Rotation" showcases Paul deLay and his many talents. From his clever word play, to his humor, to his insight into the human condition, deLay again shows why he's considered such a great lyricist. In deLay's new album he tells stories of everyday life from the Chicago blues of "Wealthy Man," to a different kind of love song "Remember Me," to his autobiographical, "It Ain't Easy Being Big."

Alone, his songwriting skills, and dynamic and soulful voice make a great combination. But when you consider his incredible harmonica mastery, it's the full package. From deLay's awesome diatonic harp in 1st and 2nd position, with remnants of Walter Horton and James Cotton, to his remarkable chromatic harp that can't be compared to anyone else, "Heavy Rotation" is another marvelous landmark in the career of future blues legend, Paul deLay.