bio

If you've ever flipped through the jukebox listings at a roadside diner, you found everything from Blues, Rockabilly and Soul to Surf, Rock, Country and Jazz.  Paul Holdman brings that eclectic musical experience to life with an exciting repertoire that pleases every ear in the room.  Guaranteed.

Born in Madisonville, Kentucky in 1969, Paul grew up listening to the radio and his parents' vinyl records.  This exposed him to the music of Jimmy Reed, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, the Ventures and many more.  After moving to Indianapolis in 1985, he got his first guitar and never looked back.

Paul's career took off when he landed a job with the local blues/rock band Bangkok Rooster in 1990.  A tour with John Mellencamp's former guitarist Larry Crane and a brief stint with singer/songwriter Carrier Newcomer provided some road experience.  During his time with Crane, a songwriting partnership developed with bandmate Jennie Devoe.  Since 1996 the two have worked together in the recording process and recently had an opportunity to work with famed producer John Parish (P.J. Harvey, Tracy Chapman, eels) in Bath, England.

In 1999, Paul joined the Gordon Bonham Blues Band for a three-year stint and still does occasional shows with Gordon.  The year 2000 proved to be a busy one with the formation of the Paul Holdman Band, the Woomblies, and joining up with the Tad Robinson Band.  2002 saw the release of Paul's first solo recording, an all-instrumental CD entitled "Out of My Hands."

Over the past twenty years Paul has shared the stage or opened for such notables as Rick Derringer, Robben Ford, Pinetop Perkins, Luther Allison, Santana, Robert Cray, John Hiatt, Al Green, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.  Paul has evolved into a style-master with a reputation for playing what is exactly right for the song.  Heart and soul are the ingredients he puts into his musical gumbo.  Come get a taste.