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We’ve all seen them before. Sole singer songwriters on stage at open mic’s and acoustic nights all over the city. Alone with their six string best friends attempting to emit, in a few short minutes, what has taken countless hours to create in basements and bedrooms playing to no one. It is a solitary endeavor sought by those who desire the stage alone. It is a rarity that two singer songwriters mesh so seamlessly as Paul Cataldo and Robbie Collins did at Kenny’s Castaways on Thursday night.
Collins & Cataldo can create an atmosphere that is full of folk & rock guitar mastery without the pretense and self-agonizing that usually accompany young singer songwriters who wail about their shattered heart or preach about our broken society. They had as much fun on stage as the crowd did singing from their seats. From Collins’ soulful baritone on “In the Nighttime” to Cataldo’s spiteful shout on “Damn You River!” the audience was attuned to the emotions conveyed by the duo through the vivid imagery of their songs. They even ended the show with a cover of Neil (“Jesus Christ, Himself”)
Young’s “The Needle and the Damage Done” which contained dueling guitar solo’s that would have impressed Lynard Skynard. Skynard and Young? Impossible but true.
The overall tenor of the performance was one of warm, friendly, musical storytelling as a cold winter wind cut down Bleecker street just outside. Through their songs, Collins & Cataldo bring to the folk/rock New York City music scene a fresh unique outlook on life, love, drinking, sleeping and what it means to be a couple of guys with guitars trying to make it in NYC.
Kevin S. Galligan
- Kevin S. Galligan
Discography
Ep. 2007
1. Home
2. Damn You River
3. To Live and Be Free
4. Drinkin' & Sleepin'
5. Right Before My Very Eyes
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Bio
Paul Cataldo is a New York based 24 yr. old singer/songwriter born and raised in the Boston area. With a passion and appreciation for great songwriters at an early age, picking up the guitar seemed mandatory. Paul has been writing music and molding a style like no other since the age of fourteen, looking up to artists such as Cat Stevens, Neil Young and Johnny Cash. While studying the craft of song writing and creating his own music, Paul began realizing the significance of quality lead (instrumental) parts to his songs. Insisting on being a self taught musician, he locked himself away in his room and studied note for note the guitar styles of John Fogerty, Lindsay Buckingham, Jimi Hendrix and others. Getting anxious for more stage time, Paul began asking around town looking for a professional spot in a bar band playing lead guitar. Eventually he found himself playing lead guitar and singing backup vocals with an established classic rock tribute band named Shortbus from Massachusetts.
After 3 yrs of playing cover songs at a professional level, Paul knew it was time to make the move and take his original songs to one of the three music capitals. Although they do possess a country twang in their style, the original songs are a bit more dominated by folk and rock influence and with New York City only 200 miles South of home, the Big Apple became the obvious decision over Nashville. Working harsh hours at high paced restaurants to cover the painful cost of living in New York City, Paul has still managed to find time to show his face on various café and bar room stages. Paul can be seen performing regularly throughout the city at live music venues such as: Rockwood Music Hall, Kennys Castaways, Café Vivaldi, The Knitting Factory, Alphabet Lounge, Desmonds Tavern, and the Underscore. An all original set list generally comprised of 12-15 songs cover a range of topics and styles. Paul can be heard singing songs and telling stories about everything from alcoholism, war, poverty and jealousy all the way down the road to songs of peace and love. His recent release Home has received radio play on UCLA radio, 95.5 WATD Boston, and 440music.com. The first promotional show for the album took place at the Guilford Food and Wine Festival in front of 1000+ people.
Paul continues to relentlessly pursue his dream of recording and playing live for a living. Determined and not easily discouraged his will stays strong and his goals stay within reach. Accomplishments he would like to achieve over the next year or so include touring major music cities across the U.S., expanding the loyal fan base, and pushing songs from the new EP Home for placement in television and movies. With his heart set on the road, determined and focused, Paul Cataldo is destined to do what he was put on this earth to do...sing his songs for a lifetime to people all over this world.
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