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Paul Douglas Mowbray, 1953 - ?
The Arts: We are all creative and expressive, to live is to be so, but to have a career in the arts is to do this specifically as a life work. The work of other artists and musicians is my life blood, or at least the fuel for my soul. Art makes sense of what will never make sense, it dances, it sings, it is beautiful, it is shocking, it tells us who we are, it is an essential part of our many lives.
Hope you like the tunes.
Press Release, Paul Bio
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Paul Mowbray is a prolific songwriter and composer, and a gifted guitarist. After studying music in Saskatoon, teaching in alternate schools, and working in a long term care facility for schizophrenics in Vancouver, Paul moved to Salt Spring Island to undertake a year of composition and study. Taking the time to get it right, he launched his solo recording and performance career with a gorgeous instrumental disc entitled "Prairie Stop" in 2005. Years of teaching guitar resulted in an intimate understanding of what the instrument is capable of, while his prairie roots shine through in this atmospheric suite for solo guitar. For students of the guitar he included full tablature of the music in PDF files on the CD.
Paul's main musical passion, songwriting, has been hard at work lately. Much of this is co-writing with his musical partner Tracy Mills. Paul tends toward the savvy lyric driven music of performers like Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. He does, though, love mainstream pop music, especially when it unites good melody and rhythm with an intelligent lyric. John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, and Dave Matthews are strong influences. Lately he's also been influenced by his co-writer, Tracy Mills. Check out their debut CD, "Game".
Many people on Salt Spring and in Victoria, B.C., know Paul as a dedicated teacher of guitar. Composition, improvisation, and performance, as well as a background in special needs teaching has informed his approach. He has a B.A. Music Major and has honed his knowledge of music theory by playing in jazz groups. A lifestyle of balancing composition, performance and teaching is Paul's ongoing goal.
Paul's current groups, performance
Paul currently performs songs with violinist/vocalist Tracy Mills. "Mowbray and Mills" released their debut CD, "Game", on Oct.1st, 2007. The CD has 10 original songs with trademark violin and guitar back up. Pop, folk and classical sensibilites combine for a fun first release. Find out more and hear music samples at www.mowbrayandmills.com
Paul also performs in a world jazz duo, "Mowbray and Wall", with saxophonist Mike Wall. They have a CD out, "The Wave Project".
Info about Mowbray and Wall (JPG).
Paul performs solo jazz, latin jazz, and original instrumentals on occasion. When he does so he goes under the stage name, "Paul Mowbray", in line with the creative names of all his groups.
Game CD: Reviews
"Mowbray and Mills' voices blend quite gorgeously as do their delicate guitar and violin interweavings. The duo hit on various rootsy areas and they do them all well, be it the dusky blues of "Restless Moon" or the hymnal haunt of "The Cathedral"."
Bill Stuart, Monday Magazine
"Songs lovingly crafted and obsessively refined...the emotions and the melodies shine forth." "Drink in the sound."
Jeremiah Sutherland, Bullfrog Music
Prairie Stop CD: Reviews
"Over the course of 12 lovely tracks, Mowbray captures the prairie vibe with melodic finger-picking expertly put to tape by Elephant Island's Galen Hartley."
Bill Stuart, Monday Magazine
"Flatlanders will love the evocative sounds of the instrumental Prairie Stop, with titles such as Playin' in the Stooks, Sunday on the Porch, and Train Time."
Gulf Islands Sights and Sounds
Photo Gallery
Photos may be reproduced for press.
Paul and guitar, "Norm"
Paul and Friend
Paul and Tracy
Paul and Friend
Paul and Tracy
Paul and Tracy