Paul Pena

Description

Different Strokes For Different Folks is thrilled to present the very first vinyl reissue of the sought-after self-titled album by Paul Pena, originally released in 1972. Skillfully blending influences and genres, this album is an astonishing mix of punchy bluesy funk, mid-tempo piano ballads, revolutionary soul, and acoustic gospel singing. All of this is carried by Pena's deep, rich voice and his talent as a songwriter. Born in Massachusetts in 1950 and becoming blind at the age of 20 due to congenital glaucoma, Pena moved to San Francisco in 1971, after already making a name for himself as a performer, guitarist, and songwriter. Later in the decade, his song "Jet Airliner" became a huge hit for the Steve Miller Band, and he regularly performed on stage with legends such as John Lee Hooker and B.B. King. He also taught himself Tuvan throat singing, to the point of being invited to the country to participate in an international symposium and competition; a journey that is chronicled in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Genghis Blues" in 1999. It was shortly after settling on the West Coast that he recorded his first self-titled album. Reissued for the very first time on vinyl. For fans of Curtis Mayfield, Terry Callier, and Bill Withers.