John Paul Drum has been playing harmonica for close to forty years. It was one of the first instruments he can remember besides the old upright piano the family had in their home. He‘ll tell you he has only been really playing the “Harp” for around thirty years. While searching for a new way to musically express himself in the early eighties he found the music of the old harmonica masters, ie; Little Walter Jacobs and Sonny Boy Williamson II. From that point on he engrossed himself in the blues harmonica and moved to Kansas City.
There he fell under the wing of KC Blues harmonica man Little Hatch. Hatch informed John Paul that he was the only harp player he cared to share a stage with. World famous Harmonica Bluesman Sugar Blue (of Rolling Stones fame “Miss You”) also tutored John Paul and they have remained friends over the years.
After fronting such bands as the Swingin’ Swamis, Lonesome & Dangerous, and The Cat Dancin’ Band, he formed John Paul & The HellHounds in the spring of 1990. As a band leader, it was that band’s eight year stretch that he; broadened his technic and voice, captured three best band crowns, had numerous appearances at the Kansas City Blues & Jazz festival (among others), and gained a reputation as a topnotch musician and entertainer. He has also toured four countries in Europe and was greatly received.
Today, John Paul is still hard at work developing a deeper style, both on harp and vocally. He plays with what he believes to be Kansas City’s finest blues musicians; Bill Dye, guitar; Ricardo “Cardy” Quintero, bass; Allan Fishell, drums and Jim Beisman on piano. Though he calls the band the Flying Circus while at BB’s Lawnside BBQ, the traveling band is still known at times as the HellHounds. The band (formally The Houserockers) also backed the late Kansas City Harp legend Little Hatch since the early 1990’s.
John Paul also works the acoustic scene with guitarist Bill Dye playing delta blues, early 20’s jazz, western swing, roots, rockabilly, honk tonk and novelty numbers. The duo called The Big Three, as it was started with John Paul, Bill and Washboard Chaz Leary, the washboard master. Since Chaz has moved to New Orleans, John Paul & Bill keep the acoustic fire burning in K.C. and play several dates a month with Allen Fishell rounding out the trio.
John Paul’s 21 year stretch at BB’s Lawnside BBQ on Thursday nights have become legendary. He was honored twice by a cover stories by the Kansas City Blues Society celebrating his seven & fifteenth year anniversaries at BB’s. Players and blues lovers from all over the world descend on BB’s to soak up the blues, booze and BBQ.
https://johnpauldrum.rocks/
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