Jonathan Paulo started writing songs in 2002, and after initially recording his first songs and playing them live during a short span of less than two years, Jonathan stepped away from the music scene. The beginning of 2008, however, found Jonathan with nine songs that survived during the three years when writing and performing his music took a back seat. Some songs, such as “Hold On,” perfectly reflect the maturation that occurred during those years. “Hold On” is a song that had a different title, was written in a different key, had different lyrics, and had a different rhythm, but remained with Jonathan through the years and evolved into the current version. Most of the songs that will make up Jonathan Paulo’s first official debut album share a similar evolution.
Based out of San Diego, California, Jonathan drove across the country from his hometown in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, following a four-year stint in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Traces of songwriting influences of Ryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen and lyrical influences of Adam Duritz and Alanis Morissette might exist in Jonathan Paulo’s music, but a unique songwriting style emerges throughout his album. Jonathan started and finished the album on his own, as he wrote every song, played every instrument, and recorded the album by himself in his bedroom.
“Take It All” reflects the progressively building song arrangement of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, drums, piano, and keyboards, all arranged, performed, and recorded by Jonathan. “Far Away” is a beautiful ballad that accurately captures an emotional situation and “Now You’re Gone” illustrates an effective narrative quality within a quieter piano ballad. Songs such as “Come On," "So Long," and “Hold On” include some of the strongest melodies on the well-crafted album.
The maturation and evolution of Jonathan Paulo’s first official album, self-titled, will likely see the light of day in 2009 with live performances around Southern California.
