J Paul Slavens

J. Paul Slavens----------------------------------------------------- ------------------- Composer-pianist-improv comedic musician and bandleader ------------------- also Radio Show Host and Voice Over Talent--------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ --- An evening at a Paul Slavens show is a one of a kind event. Possessing a unique skill for making something out of nothing, Mr. Slavens takes song title suggestions from the audience and turns them into full blown compositions, while the audience watches.....and laughs. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Because each show is made from scratch there is no need for rehearsal, so Paul is free to call upon whatever musicians he finds who are up to the task. Slavens has had many notable and diverse musicians in his band, including Jeff Barnes of Grammy winners Brave Combo, Reggie Rueffer who plays fiddle with Charlie Pride, Craig Butterfield of the Maynard Ferguson band, Dave Abruzeese of Pearl Jam, Brad Houser of New Bohemains and a host of fine musicians from the fertile North Texas jazz scene, including several members of the staff at the prestigious University of North Texas School of Music.------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------Slavens also studied Improv acting with Randy Bennet of the legendary L.A. improv group , the Goundlings. He acted as musical director for 4 Day Weekend, Fort Worths premier comedy troupe, a favorite of Ft Worths downtown Sundance Square entertainment area.. Slavens own comedy troupe , the Texclectic Unsemble , won The Dallas Observer Best of Award for best comedy troupe 1999.------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------More recently, Mr Slavens has garnered a loyal follwing for his radio program 90.1 @ Night on KERA-FM 90.1 in Dallas, one of the top five Public Radio stations in the US. Heard Sunday nights from 7 to 10 pm, Slavens plays an eclectic mix to say the least, a typical night will find Bob Wills next to Devo next to Nina Simone and on and on.--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------Paul Slavens has been playing music in the Southwest for nearly 20 years. As frontman for the well loved band Ten Hands, Paul sang , played piano, wrote and made bizarre faces. On thier way to winning numerous Dallas Observer Music Awards Ten Hands garnered a reputation as a musically tight, adventurous and entertaining live group.