Paul Benjaman Band

What's in a Name?
When it comes to anticipation of the Dfest lineup, it's everything

BY JOSH KLINE

Last week, Dfest co-founders Tom Green and Angie Devore-Green announced the second and final round of headliners and emerging artists for this year's Diversafest Music Festival and Conference.

The festival will be held July 24th and 25th in downtown's Blue Dome District.

The expanded list of headliners now include Cake, Mates of State, Ra Ra Riot, Dengue Fever, The Cool Kids, Carney, Ian Moore, Here II Here and Manda Mosher. These bands join a previously announced roster that includes The Black Crowes, Blue October, Gil Mantera's Party Dream, Gogol Bordello, Ozomatli, The Uglysuit, Dub Trio and Joe Pug.

"With roughly two months to go until show time, we are in awe of the way this year's Dfest has mushroomed into our biggest and most diverse event ever," Tom Green said. "The support and enthusiasm of our new sponsors, partners and venues has created an unprecedented level of energy and excitement."

The lengthy list of emerging and unsigned artists now includes local favorites Astellaway, Ben Kilgore, Billy Joe Winghead, Motive for Movement, My Solstice, PAUL BENJAMAN BAND, Ptiaradactyl and Recorder. This is just a small fraction of the dozens of bands slated to perform; a complete list can be found at www.dfest.com.

........... - URBAN TULSA WEEKLY - Josh Kline

"The bands ability to put it's own personal stamp on such a disparate playlist was at least as mpressive as their wide-ranging song selection"
-john wooley - Tulsa World

Good Times. What does Tulsa sound like? Well, one could say that it's a blend of local greats from years' past, but with crucial original flair. Paul Benjaman Band is such a group, whose sound is reminiscent of JJ Cale, mixed with the endurance of Van Morrison and the spontaneity of Miles Davis. Benjaman's songwriting and guitar, supplemented by Khadija Goz' on the Rhodes, Andrew Bones on drums and Bo Hallford on bass makes for a delightful combination that's fun for all involved.
-Erin Fore - Urban Tulsa Weekly

"...Paul Benjaman Band, a group that defies categorization. The group has become a staple on the local music scene as with its loose, relaxing grooves and ability to intermingle touches of jazz, classic rock, country, blues, reggae and the classic "Tulsa Sound." - GK HIZER , Urban Tulsa Weekly - URBAN TULSA WEEKLY - GK HIZER

While spirits are riding high around the impending annual pilgrimage to Austin for SXSW, it's a good time to be proud of Tulsa music. Not only do we have our recently announced essay contest winner Keline Pallez traveling down to Austin to report, there are a handful of Tulsa bands making the trek South (by Southwest) to represent what Tulsa has to offer this year.

Amongst the few (that I'm currently aware of) are Fiawna Forte' and Eric and the Adams, both fine representations of what we've got to offer in the indie rock and pop-rock genres.

Perhaps the most representative of Tulsa's history and evolution of the current music scene, however, is the Paul Benjaman Band. Although much has been made of the classic "Tulsa Sound" of the '70s, not much of that has truly carried over to Tulsa's current local music scene. Not until the past few years, that is.

Granted, Tulsa has evolved and so has the state of pop and rock music, as well as our local music scene. Throughout the past few years, however, there has definitely been a segment of our local music community that has taken on a new life and spin on the classic "Tulsa Sound."

Most of the musicians within what has been referred to as the "Organum Group" play with not only a technical expertise, but a reverence to vibe and tone--an intangible quality that you only truly know when you hear it. Appropriately enough, it's something you can often experience within the cozy confines of The Colony, but that one locale doesn't corner the market by any means.

Jesse Aycock and Dustin Pittsley definitely tap the soul of the Tulsa Sound, as does Matt Fisher's Vandevander project, albeit often in a much more aggressive manner. Perhaps the artist who has tapped into the classic vibe most closely and has still managed to evolve it into something current and vital, however, is Paul Benjaman.

Don't be misled into thinking that Benjaman is strictly a devotee to the old-school sound. He's a player with a long history, dating back to his first gig at the original Eclipse with Green Water Mirror ("Definitely a grunge band name, if ever there was one," he laughs now) back in 1994.

While he cringes a little now at the thought of grunge, his love of music and the scene also shines through when he talks about it.

"The '90s were an exciting time," Benjaman said. "There was a lot of stuff going on, and everybody was buying CDs and music. It was before pirating or downloading music and before you could even copy CDs. Clinton had just gotten into office and people thought music could change the world again--and it did, for a little while..."

The years following saw Benjaman's musical skills grow as he played a major role on the local scene as guitarist for Rewake. As that band was in its twilight years, however, Benjaman made a move to step from sideman role and into the spotlight as he formed his own group, the Paul Benjaman Band in late 2007.

Benjaman said that his primary inspiration for the band came from finally getting ahold of and absorbing some J.J. Cale records, followed by an infusion of Bob Wills. From there, it all seemed to come naturally for Benjaman as he assembled a crew of musicians that could all play together, yet shine individually.

Although three original members (Chris Combs, Josh Raymer and Matt Hayes) have eventually and subsequently migrated to Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, that hasn't changed the vibe of the band.

The current (and according to Benjaman, quintessential) line-up for group includes Andrew Bones on drums, Bo Halford on bass (both former Harmonious Monk members who also currently play in Panda Resistance) and Kahdija Goz on keyboards and vocals with the band's namesake fronting the band on guitar and vocals.

Although it's Benjaman's band and outlet, there's also a camaraderie and companionship within the band that lets each player express him or herself musically.

Benjaman said Goz is the band's secret weapon with her piano skills and soulful vocals.

"Oh, yeah -- she's totally the secret weapon, the secret sauce and everything else," he said.

It's ironic to realize this is Goz's first band experience. After crossing paths with her at after parties and hearing her play quietly in the background and even occasionally discussing the fact that she'd like to be in a band, Benjaman forcibly drafted her when he bought an old Rhoades keyboard from a friend and dropped it on her unceremoniously, telling her, "Your first gig is next week." She's been a valuable and undeniable asset to the band (and the local music scene) ever since.

While the band originally spread its wings by creating its own tunes and covering a number of classics, the covers have eventually made their way out of the set, leaving only a few to remain.

The band's debut disc is currently in the mixing stages, with a goal of having it finished and packaged in time to distribute at SXSW. Writing continues, however, and Benjaman said they already h - Urban Tulsa Weekly

IT ALL STARTED a year and a half ago with a casual conversation on a front porch. Paul Benjaman, a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, and Josh Raymer, a drummer with Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, were chatting with other local performers about a current movement in the Tulsa music scene. Made up primarily of jazz musicians, the group was seeing a resurgence of the "Tulsa Sound" that permeated the city in the 1970s, with the likes of Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, and J.J. Cale recording in local studios. Benjaman and Raymer say this focus on world-class, orginal music was emerging again in Tulsa, and they wanted to create an organization to help it thrive. Thus, Organum Records was born. The name may sound like an indie record label, but Benjaman sas the group is actually a collective of like-minded artists who enjoy performing together and want to make more people aware of their talent. "So we just decided to give a name to it - to promote our music, to inspire each other and to continue to create and also serve as a gateway so people could meet and see whate we're doing." he says. organum initially began as a MySpace site with links to 10 local artists. That gave way to Wednesday night jam sessions, during which any Organum artist who is free can show up at Capella's at 10pm to perform. The Musicians the hosted an Organum showcase OCt. #, which included performances from seven bands in a variety of genres. In addition to encouraging creativity, Organum also is helping to promote all-ages shows in Tulsa, which Benjaman says have dried up over the last few years. "So instead of taking a political stance, we're offering a gateway." he says. The musicians hope Organum also might be a gateway to booking more performances and tours and increasing exposure. Raymer says there also have been talks of a compilationCD and tour. Mostly , though, the musicians want to establish that with the Organum name comes quality music. "We have this Organum name that automatically when people see it, they trust that and know it's going to be good." Raymer says.
EDITOR's NOTE: For a list of upcoming Organum artist performances, visit www.myspace.com/organumrecords - Tulsa People

"what was the name of that first song you played? that was wicked!" - Phil & Brent 97.5 KMOD morning show

By Anna Sobering
Thursday, January 28, 2010


Hailing from Tulsa, Okla., Paul Benjaman Karleskindt and his band have merged different styles of music to represent the “Tulsa sound.” Inspired by musicians such as Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker, Paul Benjamin Band infuses a mix of rock, funk, and western swing into its music. Karleskindt took some time with Jayplay to talk about his band’s sound, the Independence police and life’s hidden truths.

Jayplay: What is the background of the Paul Benjaman Band and how has it evolved?

Paul Benjaman Karleskindt: There was a scene of jazz musicians crossing over into rock and indie styles. We met through hangouts and jams around the Tulsa scene. This lineup was formed a year and a half ago to play one show, and quickly became the permanent lineup when our chemistry created a sound that we felt defined what this band was supposed to be.

JP: What are your plans for the future?

PBK: It’s an exciting time to be doing this right now. We’ve been seeing things grow, beginning with last year’s green light to play Wakarusa 2009. We just got an e-mail today saying that we’re going to play at South by Southwest this year, which is pretty much the biggest break we could ask for at this point.

JP: How would you describe your music?

PBK: Like your mom’s pie – hard to describe yet familiar once you taste it. Most say we’re a blend of American styles of music, referring to classic styles of rock, country and funk. We appeal mostly to fans of albums versus iPod singles.

JP: Who are the band members and do they have any quirky attributes?

PBK: There isn’t a musician out there worth their own salt that doesn’t have quirky attributes; that’s what makes what they do important. Andrew Bones (drums) is always creating art in all forms – on canvas, sketchpad or musically. Khadija Goz (vocals, piano) has a cautious yet adventuresome spirit with deep introspection, and Bo Halford (bass) has a hidden depth while being able to kick it harder than anyone else I know. I can’t describe myself too well, but I try to stay real laid back with an underlying passive/aggressive typical of most bandleaders.

JP: How has the state of Oklahoma influenced your music and the band’s image?

PBK: It took a long time and a lot of bands to find what I wanted to really do and it turned out it was sitting here right under my nose. I got some J.J. Cale and Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys records and the map that navigated the rock and jazz blend I love just manifested itself. If I get lost on where to go, I’ll throw on a J.J. Cale record and it always has the answer if I listen hard enough.

JP: Where can people get your music?

PBK: We have a collection of performances for sale at our shows, and a full-length studio disc will be available in the next month. We try to post as much live stuff as we can on our MySpace and soon on our website (myspace.com/paulbenjamanband).

JP: What music festivals are you planning on playing at in the future?

PBK: Wakarusa 2009 was an all out blast, and we hope to do it again this year. This year looks good with South by Southwest in Austin and North by 35 in Denton, Tex. More stuff keeps coming in daily and we’re excited to find the gas money to get there.

JP: How long have you been touring?

PBK: Waka kicked off a nine-month-long period of occasional touring. We’ve just returned from two weeks of shows in Colorado. We hope to expand on the road life as people become aware of us and dig our thing.

JP: What are the best and worst things that have happened to the band while you’ve been on tour?

PBK: The best times come from getting to meet great individuals in other states while sharing the experience with my favorite musicians, including occasional guests. The worst that’s happened? The Independence, Kansas Police Department. Enough said.

JP: Do you have any advice for fledgling bands that want to get into the industry?

PBK: Keep creating on all levels. Never stop pushing your limits. Do not stop for gas in Independence unless your hair is short. (The citizens of Independence are very cool, though.)

JP: What bands or artists have influenced your career?

PBK: Every band is an influence. You can learn a lot about what not to do from a sound you don’t like. That said, every musician in this outfit has totally different stuff in their music collection. I love it.

JP: Is there anything you’d like to say to the people at the University of Kansas?

PBK: I’ve learned the most useful things in life from what my instructors have said to me after class and off the record. Be sure and share some small moments with them; you’ll be surprised at life’s hidden truths. - Jay Play (Lawrence, KS)

http://www.spinner.com/2010/03/15/paul-benjaman-band-interview-sxsw-2010/

Paul Benjaman Band Interview: SXSW 2010
by Mike BarzacchiniComments

Taking the classic Tulsa Sound - a unique regional blend of rockabilly, country, rock n' roll and blues - into the 21st century is the aim of the Paul Benjaman Band. Led by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Paul Benjaman, the band is known for its enthusiastic live performances throughout Oklahoma and the Midwest. Spinner heard from Benjaman and band members Andrew Bones (drums), Khadija Goz (Fender Rhodes electric piano and vocals) and Bo Hallford (bass) as they prepared to play SXSW 2010 on Saturday, March 20.

Describe your sound in your own words.

A refreshing blend of the classic Tulsa Sound, crossed with modern funk, western swing, and bebop.

How did you begin your music career?

At the turn of the century, Paul was playing with Rewake when he met Bo and Andrew who played with Harmonious Monk. Over the years many projects came and went, and before we knew it Bo and Andrew started performing as Paul Benjaman's rhythm section. A few months later, Paul bought Khadija a Rhodes and she started performing with us too. That was roughly in August 2008

What are your influences?

We are inspired by all forms of music, and our loved ones

Who are your current inspirations?

Muddy Waters, the Band, Jimi Hendrix, Midlake, the Beatles, Herbie Hancock, Charles Mingus -- seriously way too many to mention.

What's your biggest vice?

Whiskey.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

Water, whiskey, and beer. Cigarettes, camera, stickers, handbills, CDs, t-shirts to promote our showcase which is happening at 8 p.m. on March 20 at Opal Divine's on 6th Street.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Bea Arthur.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Jock Jams.

Beatles or Stones?

Apples and oranges. Can't argue who's better, because they are both great.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Sneaking away from cops who were giving us a hard time about our tag in Kansas and making a rush for the Oklahoma border.

What are your hopes and dreams for your 2010 SXSW appearance?

To increase our fanbase as much as possible. To introduce our music to fresh ears. To meet as many people as possible. To rock as hard as we can

Why should SXSW attendees come to your showcase?

Because we put on a good live show. We've got a fresh original sound. And because we love playing for new people.

What kind of adventures do you usually get into on the road?

Depending on which way you look at it, we're either really crazy or really tame. For instance, last time we drove to St. Louis for a show we stopped to take a look at the WORLD'S LARGEST ROCKING CHAIR! Isn't that crazy?!? We seem to think so. Others may find that tame.

Where's your hometown and how's the local support for your band?

Our hometown is Tulsa, OK. The local support for our band is great. Tulsa's full of awesome music and very supportive and attentive audiences. There is some really neat stuff going on in Tulsa. Everybody should visit here.

What are you doing when you're not making music?

Paul teaches guitar lessons on the side. Khadija plays piano and organ at several churches and in musicals. Andrew does floor installation, and Bo does graphic design and marketing.

What's your dream venue? Where would you most like to perform?

We'd like to throw our name into the hat to be the first band to perform on the moon. - Spinner.com

Grab your camping gear and a few buddies for Memorial Weekend in the great outdoors. Thundermoon
Ranch, just 20 minutes south of Tulsa in Mannford, hosts Backwoods Bash Music Festival, a three-day party
featuring more than 25 bands from five states. Bands from Tulsa include Steve Liddell tonight at 10pm and
Paul Benjaman Band (pictured) at 11:30pm. Tomorrow sees Hiphopotamus and Duende perform while the
Desert Wind Belly Dancers shake it at 3pm on Sunday afternoon. Admission is just $20 at the gate for the
whole kit-n-kaboodle. A Memorial Day Service takes place at 11am Sunday to honor our brave soldiers. For
more, visit backwoodsbash.com.
-Erin Fore - URBAN TULSA WEEKLY

Grab your camping gear and a few buddies for Memorial Weekend in the great outdoors. Thundermoon
Ranch, just 20 minutes south of Tulsa in Mannford, hosts Backwoods Bash Music Festival, a three-day party
featuring more than 25 bands from five states. Bands from Tulsa include Steve Liddell tonight at 10pm and
Paul Benjaman Band (pictured) at 11:30pm. Tomorrow sees Hiphopotamus and Duende perform while the
Desert Wind Belly Dancers shake it at 3pm on Sunday afternoon. Admission is just $20 at the gate for the
whole kit-n-kaboodle. A Memorial Day Service takes place at 11am Sunday to honor our brave soldiers. For
more, visit backwoodsbash.com.
-Erin Fore - URBAN TULSA WEEKLY