Reviews

In this eclectic collection of songs by Toronto-based songwriter Paul Woolner, one is immediately struck by the power of Woolner's grasp on so many divergent genres. A labour of love grown out of a desire to expand songs written originally on a single acoustic guitar, each arrangement here is fleshed out by a full band, occasionally tossing in such diverse instruments as saxophone, mandolin, and accordion for added musical texture. The result finds Where I Live in a unique sonic arena, playing in and out of pop-rock, traditional Celtic, funk, reggae, and everywhere in-between. Utilizing a stellar crew of backing musicians that include vets of such diverse acts as Bruce Cockburn, Janis Joplin, and Anne Murray, songs such as opener "Inconsolable" bounce with youthful exuberance as well as technical proficiency, a fine balance perfected on tracks like "Looking Through Loves's Door", one of the record's strongest tracks. Overall, Where I Live comes to the listener as an honest and heartfelt artistic rendering of one man's look at the word around him, one which, most importantly, is compelling and an interesting listen.

Sam Sutherland
Assistant Editor and music critic Exclaim: Canada's Music Authority

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With a Doctorate in Educational Theory, Beaver Valley resident Paul Woolner is a Learning and Leadership consultant but along with that Paul has been a life long musician and songwriter. Starting in high school in the late 60's performing in coffee houses to opening for major international acts, he has continued to write and perform through out the years. His CD "Where I Live" was recorded in Toronto with an assortment of top quality musicians and vocalist from a list that reads like the who's who of Canadian session players. We feature the Paul Woolner track LOOKING THROUGH LOVES DOOR on the 95.1 THE PEAK Northern Tracks Independent spotlight.

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