Paul Garisto

I have been playing drums since the ripe old age of 6. The Son of drummer Frank Garisto, and Grandson of guitarist/string player Frank Sr. I have been lucky enough to perform on stage with Iggy Pop, The Psychedelic Furs, Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams, Shawn Colvin, Axel Rose, Slash, Steve Jones, Charlie and Will Sexton, Martha Reeves, Amy Grant, Neil Sedaka, Michelle Williams, and Judy Collins. Since 1987, I have toured the world several times and recorded over 30 major label and numerous indie releases. A few of my first recordings happened to be with some of my favorite artist, Iggy Pop (Instinct" and "Live at the Channel") and the Psychedelic Furs,(Midnight to Midnight", "Pretty In Pink"). Midnight to Midnight was my first major release and that record landed in the Billboard Top 20. After years of touring and recording for other artist, I joined a band called " Dragmules" so I could participate in the writing and musical direction of the band. We got signed to Atlantic records and recorded two CD's for them. On the last day of recording the second record, we were informed by the label that they just "didn't hear a hit". and were given the choice to leave or stay put until they could figure out what to do with us. Deciding to go it alone and take our chances seemed like the best option. The band lasted another few months and then called it quits for good. Heartbroken and rather pissed off, I thought I would give music a rest for a while. It didn't take long before I realized just how much I was missing making music and the need to play was a driving force in my life . After recording with Maggie Estep on her "Love is a dog from hell" CD, Ed Buller ( P Furs) called me out of the blue and was now producing a NYC band called "Closer" They were out in Ca. recording their debut CD and they desperately needed a drummer to re-record all the tracks on the record, off I went. Once back home, I recorded Bree Sharps debut as well as a few tracks on her producer Don Dilego's first CD. Over the next year I spent time recording and playing live with both Bree and Don and then I got a call from Jesse Malin. Jesse was unsigned at the time and he was in search of musicians to bring to life a new direction as a singer /songwriter. We went into a NYC studio with Ryan Adams as a producer to record. Soon after, Jesse got singed and we hit the road for the next year. Upon my return home I heard from my good friend Knox Chandler who was writing and recording with Depech Mode singer Dave Gahan. Knox asked me to come down and record a few tracks for Daves upcoming solo release "Paper Monsters". Around the same time Ryan was busy recording several records at once and I was asked to come to Globe Studios to play some drums. Gladly, I said yes. On the second day of recording, I had the pleasure to meet and work with Marianne Faithful on a track called "English Girls Approximately". Out of those sessions Ryan released the CD "Love is Hell" as well as a few songs that ended up on his next CD "Rock N' Roll". Then it was back to work with Jesse. who was gearing up for his next record. We went into the basement of a local NYC bar to write and arrange a bunch of new songs. I was given the opportunity to collaborate with Jesse on 3 songs, "Swinging Man", Mona Lisa" and "New World Order" which all ended up on Jesse's "The Heat" CD. Jesse hit the road again but this time I opted out to stay closer to home. I ended up playing with the band Cantinero who just happened to be on the same label as Jesse. With Cantinero I did some local shows with a few quick trips over to the UK mixed in. Meanwhile, Don Dilego was recording his wonderful new CD "Photographs of 1971" and I got to play on a handful of songs at his home studio in Pa. Over the next year I recorded with Bree Sharp on her "More BS "CD and her "Live at the Fez"CD . Last year, Jesse and I started working together again . Back in Feb. I was asked to play a once in a lifetime show at Carnegie Hall drumming for Jesse, Judy Collins, Neil Sedaka, Michelle Williams, and Amy Grant. I could not pass up an opportunity like this one. It was amazing to be a part of that evening. Currently I have joined the band "Mad Juana" as a percussionist/drummer. We have been performing and recording together for the past year. Look for the new Mad Juana release in Jan/ early Feb, Bree Sharp release in early 2008 and Dare Dukes release in 08 with Mark Boquist on drums and my first release on bass. I am always looking for new people to play with so please do not hesitate to contact me at my Myspace page for info on my availability.