Paul Thorn- Higher Purpose, for both kids and music.
By Chris Murphy
Kids in foster care need a higher purpose. They need a goal, something to reach for and one of the places that kids and go is camp. Royal Family Camp is a lifesaver for so many kids that have been abused, or have been in Foster care, or are in need of a family experience. You can lend a hand to these kids and you can experience one of the most critically acclaimed performers at the very same time.
Paul Thorn played Modesto a few years back and blew the house away. Show organizer Joe Swain told me, “Paul has the right blend of higher purpose and raw rock sound that sends a great message, both for our program, and for the Modesto audience”. Paul has just released a new album, loaded with more road experience and will deliver a set that will inspire you, make you feel great and set your world right. Thorn’s new album “Too Blessed to be Stressed” delivers just that message.
“In the past, I’ve told stories that were mostly inspired by my own life,” the former prizefighter and literal son of a preacher man offers. “This time, I’ve written 10 songs that express more universal truths, and I’ve done it with a purpose: to make people feel good.” Paul explains.
Thorn’s has soul, rhythm and drive and his music has this 1950s rock vibe with an undeniable blues and modern roots feel, the gospel undertones, evoking the feel of a preacher addressing his congregation. Before issuing his 1997 debut, singer-songwriter Paul Thorn was a boxer, actually fighting against Roberto Duran, you can check it out on YouTube and then worked in a furniture store making chairs. That colorful past informs the working class ethos you find on his first studio albums. Elvin Bishop is one of Paul Thorn’s biggest fans and you can detect the inspiration drawn from Elvin and many others.
You can feel the passion of his performance, passion that was inspired when he was young, watching his Pentecostal preacher father inspire southern church congregations. That passion punches through live. You will witness it in the amazing acoustics of the Gallo Center. Paul is touring with his band of top-flight musicians, guitarist Bill Hinds, keyboardist Michael “Dr. Love” Graham, bassist Ralph Friedrichson and drummer Jeffry Perkins.
Royal Family Camp kids need you and you need to hear this amazing concert with Paul Thorn. Get your calendar out and plug it in. The kids go to camp from June 19-24 so you can make a difference. For more information on the camp, modesto.royalfamilykids.org/
Paul Thorn benefit for Royal Family Camp – Jan 22 Gallo Center for the Arts 8 pm
www.galloarts.org
