Paul Raymond

Paul Raymond Project: Paul Raymond Project (PRP) was first formed in 1989 in Japan. The original line-up included Frank Di Mino (formerly of Angel) on lead vocals and Masoyoshi Yamashita (Loudness) on bass. The band recorded a mini-album “Under The Rising Sun” for Teichi Ku Records, however this line-up was relatively short-lived. Paul spent 1990 writing new material, inspired by the resurgence of straight-ahead blues/rock led by bands such as the Black Crowes and the Quireboys. In 1991 he re-formed the band with unknown singer Aki Fukasawa, retaining original guitarist Reibun Ohtani. They laid down some demo tracks and toured in Japan but it wasn’t until 1996 that these songs became reincarnated as the album “Raw Material”. Paul rejoined the classic UFO line-up with Michael Schenker in 1993 and had recording and touring commitments throughout the mid 90’s. When the band once again went their separate ways, Paul, who had now moved back to the UK began concentrating on writing new material for PRP and recorded the album “Man on a Mission” with guitarist Andy Simmons and drummer Stefan Kadar. This album, released by Zoom Club records returned to the hard rock feel of the original PRP album. It was to be 9 years before Paul and Andy joined forces again and recorded “Virtual Insanity” as UFO had once again intervened! Whilst touring with UFO in 2010, Paul was introduced by friends to bass player Mark Coles and drummer Tony Steel from Workington in the North West of England. Together with guitarist Andy Simmons they began working on “Terms & Conditions Apply”. Michael Schenker agreed to play a guest solo on one of the tracks, and a recently renewed friendship with Stampede vocalist Reuben Archer culminated in a collaboration on a couple of songs, one of which is included on the new album. Paul’s first priority will always be UFO, but PRP is his opportunity to express himself musically with his own material and join forces with other musicians when UFO are not touring. PRP are: Paul Raymond – lead vocals/lead & rhythm guitars/keyboards Andy Simmons – lead & rhythm guitars/ keyboards Mark Coles – bass/backing vocals Tony Steel – drums/backing vocals The official page of musician/songwriter Paul Raymond