Paul Benjaman Band’s “Something” Special

The band’s debut disc is currently in the mixing stages, with a goal of having it finished and packaged in time to distribute at SXSW. Writing continues, however, and Benjaman said they already have nearly half of the material for the group’s next disc, even before the debut has been mastered and released.

Although some bands might resent a strong comparison to the classic Tulsa Sound, Benjaman welcomes it, acknowledging the very thing that was attractive about the old scene is exactly what he’s thriving in and enjoying about the current music climate. The high level of musicianship, paired with a camaraderie that pushed each player without becoming competitive.

“When I’ve got writers block, those are the sources I go back to (J.J. Cale and Bob Wills),” he said. “Usually it reminds me to simplify and find the groove…”

While Tulsa audiences have certainly taken notice and started praising the band (the group recently won the “Rock the 918″ battle of the bands), it has also gained attention regionally with appearances at Wakarusa, Backwoods Bash and a few other festivals. As of late, though, the attention hasn’t only been coming from jam-oriented festivals, as Paul Benjaman Band has added to the lineup of the North by 35 Festival in Denton in early March, followed by an Urban Tulsa-sponsored appearance at SXSW the following week.

With a new disc in the pipeline and the group’s regional following starting to build (recent trips have taken the band to Colorado and St Louis), you can certainly expect to hear more about the band in the near future. With a focus on networking and making strategic connections at SXSW and appearances at other festivals, Benjaman’s goal is to make playing (and specifically, touring) a full-time, paying gig.

From what we’ve witnessed so far, that doesn’t seem like an unreasonable goal by any means. You can be sure that Urban Tulsa will be keeping a close eye (and ear) on the band, and we’ll certainly be reporting back on the band’s appearance at SXSW.” – G. Hizer, Urban Tulsa Weekly