After many years playing bass in an assortment of bands, bookstore manager Paul Armfield eventually sat down with Joan Baez's guitarist Adam Kirk and wrote and recorded a handful of songs. These demos came to the attention of a new label who comissioned an album. With his collaborator and friend now in the States Paul turned to other friends to make up a scratch band- the remarkable Four Good Reasons who, along with producer Ian Caple (Tricky, Stina Nordenson, Jan Tiersenn) and arranger Dickon Hinchliffe (Tindersticks) created the album Songs Without Words. This impressive debut grabbed the attention and won the hearts of all who heard it, unfortunately despite a smattering of euphoric reviews, with virtually no airplay not many people did hear this undiscovered masterpiece.
However one of the tracks on the album- Paul's self translated interpretation of a lesser know Jacques Brel song Why Should It Be That A Man Gets Bored, did make it onto Barklay's Brel compilation where it sat very comfortably alongside the likes of Bowie, Scott Walker, Nina Simone et al.
Those who got to see Paul live during this period, whether as a duo supporting Lambchop, solo with the Go-Betweens or with all four of the Good Reasons witnessed performances of intense emotions, wringing tears of laughter, joy and sadness from the audience on a nightly basis. After witnessing their performance at the Glastonbury festival James Delingpole raved in the Sunday Telegraph of his 'star find'.
Two years later with his label now defunct, Paul's German distributor Groove Attack formed Sat-On Records as a vehicle to allow the recording of the more contemplative second album Evermine. Only released in Germany and the States, this 2005 album fared little better than the first.
Which brings us up to date, Paul is still selling books and working on a solo album, 'Sloe Gin' and 'Run' are early tasters of what to expect. There will also be a few UK live dates. If you would like Paul to play at a venue near you or even a house concert then please ask, he's not fussy.
..This profile was edited with Thomas' myspace editor™ V2.5
Hi Paul! When are we going to hear the island's national athem on here? and the song about the shoes? They are among my faves! loved em when you performed them at Acoustic Originals, all that time ago! : ) Hope you're keeping well. xxx
hi paul, so...we have two things in common...we like the same bar and we both try to contribute to what we think is good music...:-)i like yours a lot! take care and all the best, dirk
Hey Paul. How are you? Thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that we're playing an awareness gig @ Medina Theatre this Thursday.. its only £3 entry... you coming along?
Love that new guitar...You sounded wonderful.....as usual. Thank you so much for helping us out. Big respect Mr. A and have a great time in Germany with JC.
Dear Paul, how are You doing?, I just wanted to see how your things were going!. I m in Argentina visiting my familiy now:) take care and hope We can make something together! Sol:)
Merci Paul for your words. Everything is going well - no more place for the concert of monday ! And you, how are you ? I really hope to see you one next time.
