John Paul Drum

Started music enchantment in Westphalia, Kansas, a very small town in what some may refer to as "the sticks". Perhaps it is, but what a wonderful place to grow up. Spinning a odd assortment of 45s, LPs and 8-tracks growing up has given me a eclectic view of the musical landscape.My parents Big Band records and polka, and a myrid of strange things. In Lawrence, Kansas while attempting school at KU, I first got hipped to "The Blues"... spending many days & evenings of "prayer meetings" listening to Muddy, Willie Dixon, Elmore James, ect...it didn't take long to realize that most of my favorite rock songs were reworked blues tunes. I traded my guitar for twelve harmonicas and proceeded to delve into the finer points of blues harp. In '88 I moved to Kansas City to be closer to blues clubs. Lonnie Ray Fugett and his wonderful wife Debbie gave me my first paying gig, thus ruining me for life. I thank them. I started my first band "John Paul & The HellHounds" in 1990. That band featured Tony Anderson on guitar, Tom Gary on piano, Joe Wittfeld on bass and John Hobbs on drums. That band played throughout the midwest for eight years with many wonderful players coming through. I recorded a CD "Alive and Smokin' At BBs" in 97 which is sold out. In those years I had the pleasure of many pleasures. Musically I was able to share the stage with The Great Provine "Little" Hatch, Sugar Blue (whom his style leeched into my soul and as you may know is a crazy fucker), Lee Oskar and all the world class Kansas City players, blues and jazz alike. In '98, I began using Little Hatch's back up band "The Houserockers" and playing around Kansas City. The formitable guitarist Bill Dye came aboard and brought with him the ability to broaden the musical styles I wanted to explore. Also Big Joe Wittfeld and John Hobbs formed a kickin' rhythm section. Bill and I formed a little trio with Washboard Chaz Leary who had taken up residence in KC before moving on to New Orleans. The Big Three was born and garnered a bit of success, but acoustic blues in this town is a tough nut to crack. Bill and I keep the Big Three going with Allen Fishell on purcussion playing the weird mixture of ol' blues, western swing, rag, 20's jazz and novelties in a semi-acoustic setting. The electric band John Paul's Flyin' Circus continues to hold court every Thursday Night at BB's Lawnside BBQ as it has since 1996. The heaven sent rhythm section of Len Bacosci on the "large guitar (bass)" and Allen on purcussion make for a rock solid evening. We feature special guests every week and have a damn good time. These are good times probably not to come around again...