Without getting into too much detail, music started to happen for me in elementary school along with the usual extra curricular activities, chorus, musical productions and county concerts.
My involvement was accelerated at the age of thirteen while attending summer camp in New Hampshire. I received a phone call from a close friend telling me that he was forming a band to be called "The Contrasts" and asked if I would like to be part of the band providing that I would agree to be the BASS PLAYER. He went on to explain that they had already put down a deposit on a bass at Sam Ash Music Store in Hempstead, NY with the anticipation that I would say YES. When I returned from camp, I told my parents of the exciting news and promptly, without any hesitation asked to borrow the money to pay off the remaining balance so I could join the band. Anyway, how could they say "NO" to a great opportunity? At that time it would have greatly impinged on my Musical career. Of course, I promised to re-pay them by washing and waxing the neighborhood cars. Which I DID! Bottom line, I got the bass, learned how to play it and the band to set out doing gigs. We did the usual gigs of birthday parties, catered affairs, junior high dances and retirement communities specials. Basically, we played when and wherever we could to get PAID!
Then a huge catapulting breakthrough! The Contrasts, were selected to perform at the "1964 Worlds Fair" in Flushing Meadows, NY. This venue was at the NY State Pavilion. In attendance at this event was Columbia Record Producer JOHN SIMON who was responsible for such acts as: THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS, BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS, THE CIRCLE. We were informed that he liked what he heard and in short order we were signed to a RECORD CONTRACT. The Contrasts then became "The Young Ones" which was appropriately named, since there were four of us and the oldest member of the band was only FIFTEEN! At that time we held the distinction of being the youngest group signed by Columbia Records.
So what happened? A gross misunderstanding between a very young fourteen year old (not I) and a Columbia Record executive led to a dispute and the ending of our contract. Which in laymen terms meant "The Young Ones" bit the dust! In the one-year that we were with Columbia Records we were able to record our first album which now looking back on, ironically was called "Sour Grapes". It was supposed to be released but that also bit the dust!
After that learning experience, I had to move on. I was getting my drivers license and that was going to give me the freedom to pursue my musical calling. I mastered the all-important seven chords on a twelve string JUMBO BODY GUILD and proceeded to take my act on the road. I started playing out at the local bars, clubs and cafes on Long Island, NY. At the age of nineteen, I literally stumbled upon the neatest building. It was a Victorian hotel with a general store and luncheonette all under one roof. It was located in upstate NY in a town called Beekman. I had learned that an artist from Brooklyn, NY had recently purchased the building. I approached him with the concept of my cleaning up the luncheonette area and opening it as a Cafe with entertainment. The idea was to serve up munchie favorites like, ice cream floats, malteds, milk shakes, pies and etc. I would of course be the entertainment and soon would incorporate the local talent as time went by. But, I had a problem. I needed a place for me and my dog "Zeberiah" to live. So I asked if I could rent a room upstairs. Immediately he said yes, I said great. The details of the cafe were worked out and after some hard work "Zeberiahs" was opened.
But as fate would have it, tragedy would strike and thrust me into an entirely different direction. It was back to the city and the lamp business. In a twelve-year span there would be little time for playing the guitar until an opportunity arose and I was able to escape the city once more and put the guitar back into my hands again. I was living in Stuart, FL and walking down the street with my fourteen year old son when we spotted a sign saying "Singer, Songwriter Competition" at the Lyric Theater. My son strongly suggested that I enter the competition. Feeling many butterflies enter my stomach at the request from my son, I entered the competition. Once my name was called and I stepped on the stage it was like I had never left. I let''er rip! At the end of the night I was in shock when I was declared the winner of that nights competition. I was told I was to come back in four weeks for the finals. Well, I guess I don''t have to tell you what happened. YES, I won the whole competition! I was excited because the winner would receive eight hours at a recording studio.
That was the catalyst for "Immediate Heat" and "Bright Eyed & Wild" albums. I recorded and released both albums in 1997, where they were reviewed by JAM magazine. The music critic gave both albums a score of four out of five stars. In 2007, my latest project was stimulated by a positive and significant change in my life and beliefs. I had many questions that needed answers, which spurred my next CD called "QUESTIONS". The music on this CD is spiritually driven and divinely inspired.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit more about me and who I am. I hope that you, your family and friends enjoy the music. I certainly enjoyed making it. I now live in Ocala, FL still playing and making music, oh also, I still am in the lighting business for now! But I still have my dream of becoming a ROCK STAR! One never knows when that might happen.
REVIEW:
How does one describe the music of Paul Gaynes and the Gaynz Experience? It is difficult to pigeonhole the sound of this band. However it is apparent that the writing style of Paul Gaynes appeals to and pleases listeners of all ages. The sound is a little bit of folk with a hint of country. The blend is exciting. It''s unique quality lures and provokes a listener to sing along. As writer, producer and lead vocalist of all material on both volumes, Paul Gaynes pounds out a well defined rhythm on an acoustic twelve string while projecting his voice to enrapture an audience. Performances are high impact and delivered with exuberant emotion! "Immediate Heat" and "Bright Eyed and Wild" both exude an earthy, organic, real sound which can only be described as "GAYNZ" It''s a true listening experience!
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