For a few decades now I've been pumping out what I think is a unique mix of blues and gospel piano. I've performed in a number of solo, duet and band configurations, and for the last few years with tin dog ) and the Paul Gioia Trio , featuring Kris Arnott on vocals and harmonies, Bob Thomson on double bass and myself on vocals and keys.
My original music draws on many musical styles, though my home is in the blues, jazz and black and white gospel traditions.
I've played in most major Western Australian music festivals, and out of that comes the observation that piano is rarely featured as a roots instrument. I've worked hard at trying to develop a repertoire incorporating a wide range of musical styles including Chicago and New Orleans blues, country blues, jazz, ragtime, soulful ballads, black and white southern gospel traditions and even a foray into tasteful arrangements of traditional Celtic tunes (just love that stuff). The repertoire seems to have been a hit with audiences, particularly the gospel stuff.
In 2004 I was awarded an ArtsWA grant to record a selection of that repertoire, with the aim of featuring piano as a vital part of our roots music heritage. Mercy Train, engineered and co-produced by James Hewgill, was released in March, 2005. Mercy Train has since been featured on Radio National’s The Daily Planet and Life Matters and many community radio stations.
And most exciting of all, I've just finished recording my new CD, Rising Sea, with Lee Buddle at Sound Mine Studios. You can order cds online from from www.paulgioia.com . Rising Sea features mostly original tunes and showcases some great musicians, including Matt Jodrell, Carl Mackey, Jeremy Greig, Pete Jeavons, Mel Robinson, Andrew Winton and Dave Billings. And my own trio of course! Check it out.I've also had a long interest in, and commitment to, traditional and contemporary gospel music, writing, performing and teaching gospel music for corporate singing. The music is known and sung both nationally and internationally. In 2000, I recorded my first gospel CD, Shower Of Grace, which explores this crazy life we live and why it's still worth getting up in the morning.