PAUL LITTERAL

THE LITTERAL TRUTH

Outrageous 8 Records

Paul Litteral, often referred to as ‘Hollywood Paul’ because of his prodigious knowledge and love of film lore, has left an extensive impression on the LA music scene. Paul was awarded Best Musical Direction by Stage Scene LA for “Louis and Keely: Live at the Sahara” a play that experienced a record run, playing to sold out audiences at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

The first tune on Paul Litteral’s new album is pop/jazz and melodic, a tune by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with Rocky Davis singing lead. “Home at Last” sets the tone for this album, a blend of jazz, pop and rock. That blend of genres is not surprising because trumpeter, Paul Litteral, has deep roots in punching out horn lines for numerous rock and R&B stars.  Paul and a horn group he founded called ‘The Uptown Horns’ went on their first rock and roll tour with the J. Geils Band in 1981.  That led to other opportunities including engagements with The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, Tom Waits, Joe Cocker, James Brown and more. That horn ensemble lists over 150 album credits. Because of his fame in the world of Rock and Roll, and his love of jazz and pop genres, Paul Litteral brings us a collection of songs that reflect his passion for music, especially that’s inspired him over the years.  You will hear songs by The Brecker Brothers, Edgar Winter and Steely Dan, transformed and reimagined by his unique arrangements.

“Black Cow” is another Fagen tune with vocals by Anna Orbison.  Fused with funk, the arrangement is all Rock/Pop with emphasis on the strong and punchy horn section and harmonic background singers.  “Do It Again” is another Fagen composition and this time the band is featured without vocals.

A song called “New York, By Dreams” is propelled by the funky drums of Tony Pia. Their interpretation of this tune reminds me of Rock and Roll Shows of the past. It is produced with an energetic, jazzy horn solo by Colin Kupka flying high on saxophone.

The band cover’s the Bill Withers popular “Use Me” song and adds a taste of country/western music with Angela O’Neill singing “Dying to Live,” accompanied by Rocky Davis on piano.

This album is a diary of sorts, featuring songs that inspired Paul Litteral’s personal music development, from his days of playing in the orchestra Pitts of Broadway musicals to the stages of Rock and Roll hall-of-famers. His love of the horn section is always out front and shining.

PAUL LITTERAL BAND: Paul Litteral, trumpet; Ken Rosser, guitar; Bill Bodine, bass; Rocky Davis, piano/arranger; Shaunte Palmer & Craig Kupka, trombone; Sam Morgan, tenor & baritone saxophone; Kyle Zimmerman & Colin Kupka, altos & Tenor saxophone/flute. LEAD VOCALS: Rocky Davis, Anna Orbison, James Orbison.  BACKGROUND VOCALS: Rocky Davis, vocal arranger; Angela O’Neill, Anna Orbison, Deborah Davis,

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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