Paul Pesco

Paul Pesco (born May 13, 1959 in Canandaigua, New York) is a Eurasian American session guitarist, singer-songwriter, film score composer and record producer.

Paul Pesco
Photo taken in 2013
Background information
Born (1959-05-13) May 13, 1959
Canandaigua, New York, U.S.
GenresPop, funk, jazz fusion
Occupation(s)Session musician, film score composer
InstrumentsGuitar, bass guitar, keyboards
Associated actsHall & Oates, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, The System

Biography

Pesco was born to a Sicilian father (an opera singer and voice instructor) and Korean mother (an author).[1] The family lived for a time in Germany during Paul's youth before returning to New York.[1] He graduated from Northport High School in 1977.[2] As of November 2012, Pesco resides in Millbrook, New York, where he maintains a home recording studio.[3]

Beginning on the piano, Pesco would gradually build up a working proficiency with several different instruments before finding a natural fit with the guitar. He began seriously pursuing a career in music by working as a rehearsal technician at S.I.R. Studios, where he had brushes with numerous prominent artists. Having already played on some early sessions by a then-relatively unknown Madonna, Pesco was offered a position as a "utility man" (playing second guitar and keyboards) with Atlantic Starr on the band's 1982 tour, which would be his first prolific gig. Following this tour, Pesco was again recruited by Madonna to record on her self-titled debut album.[3]

Soon thereafter, Pesco joined up with the innovative techno funk group the System, performing on the band's studio albums as well as tours and becoming an instrumental part of launching the group's career. It was through his work with the System that he first came to the attention of the group Hall & Oates, with whom he would soon develop a long-term association.

These early gigs segued into future sessions with other high-profile artists, and his session career blossomed from there. He played on demos for disco artist Lourett Russell Grant. He became an in-demand session player throughout the 1980s and has remained one of the most sought-after session musicians into the present.

Meanwhile, Pesco had also maintained his working relationship with Madonna, having recorded and toured with her (the first album, songs "Lucky Star" and "Burning Up" as well as The Virgin Tour in 1985 and the Erotica album and subsequent Girlie Show World Tour in 1993). The Madonna demos on which he had played guitar prior to touring with Atlantic Starr initially secured her recording contract with Sire Records in the early 1980s, which have since been released as the Pre-Madonna album.[4]

Other highlights

In 1986, Pesco played on Steve Winwood's album Back in the High Life (on the song "The Finer Things") and on tour.

In 1989, Pesco released a solo album, Make It Reality, which featured himself on lead vocals, guitar, and often other instruments, backed by other session musicians.

In 1991, Pesco joined C+C Music Factory, creating the guitar parts for "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)", "Things That Make You Go Hmmm...", among many other songs.[5]

In 2001, he became musical director and guitarist for Jennifer Lopez, for her promotional tour and NBC music special. Pesco had worked with J-Lo in the studio, playing guitar on the song "Play" from her second album J.Lo.

In late 2002, he joined the house band for morning talk show The Wayne Brady Show on ABC. Around the same time, he worked on several film soundtracks including Around the Bend, Be Cool, Happy Feet and Robots with composer John Powell, the Brando documentary and the comedic short film, Basta Pasta with composer Andrea Morricone.

Pesco has also composed and performed on soundtracks for films such as Roxanne, Earth Girls Are Easy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Encino Man, Wild Orchid, Coming to America, Fried Green Tomatoes, Boca and Tap.

In 2005, Pesco co-composed the musical score for the documentary film The Canary Effect from director Robin Davey.

Pesco has recorded and toured with Joan Baez.

He is a member and co-producer of John Blackwell's John Blackwell Project (4ever Jia album).

He is also a member of drummer Dave Weckl's group (Multiplicity album).

Association with Hall and Oates

Pesco was the lead guitarist and musical director of the rock and soul duo Hall & Oates.[6] He also performed the same role for Daryl Hall's successful reality music television program, Live from Daryl's House,[6] and toured with Hall's solo band.

H&O were aware of Pesco because of his studio track record with the System,[6] and also his prolific work with many other artists. Initially, that led to Pesco playing guitar on their Ooh Yeah! album in 1988. He joined Hall & Oates again in 1996 for the recording sessions and tour for the Marigold Sky album.

He remained with the band until 2001, when he began working with Jennifer Lopez.

In 2010, Pesco rejoined Hall & Oates upon the death of the band's longtime bassist, Tom "T-Bone" Wolk.[7] He remained with the band through 2013 and had a highly visible role during Live from Daryl's House broadcasts.[3]

On January 6, 2014, Pesco publicly acknowledged his departure from the Live from Daryl's House show and the Hall & Oates band. On his Facebook page, Pesco wrote, "I am no longer involved with LFDH or H&O ... I was replaced ... Not sure why ... Sorry that I couldn't be more informative."[8] He added, "No one is more disappointed than I am ... I loved being a part of LFDH."[9] He concluded, "Sometimes the tail wags the dog. I think Daryl and John made a decision based on misinformation and lies... It's a shame..."[10]

He appeared on June 26 at Summerfest 2014 in Milwaukee.

Gear / endorsements

Solo discography

Album
  • Make It Reality (Sire), 1989

Singles
  • "Black Is Black" (Sire)
  • "I'm Hypnotized" (Sire)
  • "The Politics of Love" (Sire)[14]

Collaborations
YearAlbumArtistRole
2013Sex, Love & ReggaeGyptianGuitar
2012All of MeEstelleGuitar
2012Kaleidoscope DreamMiguelComposer, Guitar
2012The CrossingSophie B. HawkinsGuitar
2011Endless PlanetsAustin PeraltaMixing, producer
2011Laughing Down CryingDaryl HallComposer, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Photography, producer
2011My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1)Mary J. BligeGuitar
2010By Request (album)Paulo GonzoGuitar
2010Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai Vol. 4KitaroGuitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
2009Do What You Want, Be What You Are: The Music of Daryl Hall & John OatesDaryl Hall & John OatesComposer
2009The CollectionWhitney HoustonGuitar
2009The Element of FreedomAlicia KeysGuitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
2009The End: A New BeginningJohn KrondesGuitar (Electric)
2008Greatest Hits (Steel Box Collection)Cyndi LauperMain Personnel
2008Original Album ClassicsCyndi LauperMain Personnel
2007Jazz Club: Jazz for the RoadGuitar (Electric)
2007Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai Vol. 3KitaroGuitar (Electric)
2006Fresh and Furious: Hip Hop's BeginningGrandmaster FlashDrum Programming, Guitar
2006Happy Feet Original SoundtrackGuitar
2006Reflections (A Retrospective)Mary J. BligeGuitar
2006Spiritual GardenKitaroGuitar, Main Personnel
2005Abdel WrightAbdel WrightGuitar, Main Personnel
2005MultiplicityDave WecklGuitar, Member of Attributed Artist
2005Robots Original ScoreJohn PowellBagpipes
2005Sounds of Life: A Musical Journey for Childbirth and BeyondGuitar
2005The Essential Daryl Hall & John OatesDaryl Hall & John OatesComposer, lyricist
2005X-Periment/Pleasure SeekersThe SystemComposer, Guitar
2004Seldom BluesAlexander ZonjicGuest Artist, Guitar, Main Personnel
2004Ultimate Daryl Hall + John OatesDaryl Hall & John OatesComposer
2003Do It for LoveDaryl Hall & John OatesComposer, Guitar (Acoustic)
2003Live in ConcertDaryl Hall & John OatesComposer
2003Sacred Journey of Ku-KaiKitaroGuitar (Electric), Slide Guitar
2003SophisticationGrady NicholsGuitar, Guitar (Rhythm), Main Personnel, Soloist
2002O2O-TownGuest Artist, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
2002DubocCarol DubocGuitar
2002GroovologyGerald AlbrightGuest Artist, Guitar (Electric)
2002VH1 Behind the Music: The Daryl Hall and John Oates CollectionDaryl Hall & John OatesComposer
2001BalladsMary J. BligeGuitar
2001Dirty Little SecretStella SoleilGuest Artist, Guitar
2001HypnoticPaul TaylorGuitar, Main Personnel
2001J.LoJennifer LopezGuitar
2001Love SessionSilkGuest Artist, Guitar
2001MYOBDeborah GibsonGuitar
2001The Very Best of Miki HowardMiki HowardGuitar, Main Personnel
2000Against All OddsTake 5Guitar
2000Another Rosie ChristmasRosie O'DonnellGuitar
2000Love SongsNajeeGuitar
2000Movimiento perpetuoSentidos OpuestosGuitar
2000TamarTamar BraxtonGuitar
2000XK-Ci & JoJoGuitar
1999GGerald LevertGuitar
1999MaryMary J. BligeGuitar
1999On the 6Jennifer LopezGuitar
1999Smoke ThisLynch MobEngineer, Guest Artist, Guitar, Keyboards, producer, Vox Organ
1999The GameChico DeBargeGuitar
1999TonightSilkGuitar
1998All the ColorsSonny SouthonGuest Artist, Guitar
1998For Art's SakeArt Porter Jr.Guitar
1998Pre-MadonnaMadonnaGuitar
1998MidnightJeff LorberGuitar
1997Forever MoreCharitoGuitar, Percussion
1997Marigold SkyDaryl Hall & John OatesGuitar
1996Billy MannBilly MannGuitar (Electric), Sitar
1996Ladae!Ladae!Guitar
1996Second WindHerb AlpertGuest Artist, Guitar
1996The CraftGuitar
1996Women: Live from Mountain StageGuitar, Vocals (Background)
1995FaithFaith EvansUnknown Contributor Role
1995Let's Go BangJennifer Love HewittGuitar (Electric)
1995Ring Them BellsJoan BaezDobro, Guitar, Vocals
1995RobertaRoberta FlackGuitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
1995The Finer ThingsSteve WinwoodGuitar
1995Your Heart's in Good HandsAl GreenGuitar
1994Always & ForeverEternalGuitar, Sitar
1994Cindy MizelleCindy MizelleGuitar
1994My LifeMary J. BligeGuitar
1994UndercoverArt Porter Jr.Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Wah Wah Guitar
1994Vive en míManuel MijaresGuitar
1994West Side StoriesJeff LorberGuitar (Rhythm), Wah Wah Guitar
1993The Colour of My LoveCeline DionGuitar
1993Music BoxMariah CareyGuitar
199321 Really Cool SongsSugar BeatsMusician, Unknown Contributor Role
1993A Matter of TimeVertical HoldGuitar
1993L.A. Blues Authority Volume II: Glenn Hughes – BluesGlenn HughesGuitar
1993Call Me NightlifeNokkoGuitar
1993Don't Look BackAl GreenGuitar
1993I'm No AngelCarole DavisBass, composer, engineer, Guitar, producer, Vocals (Background)
1993Magical DuosSaxophone
1993Nick ScottiNick ScottiGuitar
1993The Donna Summer AnthologyDonna SummerGuitar
1992Celine DionCeline DionGuitar
1992Buffy the Vampire Slayer Original SoundtrackGuitar, Keyboards
1992CoolBob JamesGuest Artist, Guitar (Rhythm)
1992Deeper and DeeperMadonnaGuitar
1992Encino Man Original SoundtrackGuitar, Programming
1992EroticaMadonnaGuitar
1992ExposéExposéGuitar
1992Greatest Remixes Vol. 1Clivillés & ColeGuitar, Vocals
1992Just an IllusionNajeeGuitar
1992LivePatti AustinGuitar
1992Pocket CityArt Porter Jr.Guitar
1992Sin RedValeria LynchGuitar
1992Sofia ShinasSofia ShinasGuitar
1992Time for LoveFreddie JacksonGuitar
1992TylerTyler CollinsGuitar, Guitar (Acoustic)
1991AidalaiMecanoGuest Artist
1991Different StoryDeborah BlandoGuitar
1991EmotionsMariah CareyGuitar
1991Just One NightSamantha FoxGuitar
1991Mistaken IdentityDonna SummerGuitar, Guitar (Acoustic)
1991No More Games/The Remix AlbumNew Kids on the BlockUnknown Contributor Role
1991RiccaRiccaGuitar
1991VictimsSteel PulseGuitar
1991What Comes NaturallySheena EastonGuitar
1990Mariah CareyMariah CareyGuitar
1990UnisonCeline DionGuitar
19901990David RudderComposer
1990ContributionMica ParisGuitar
1990Gonna Make You SweatC+C Music FactoryGuitar
1990Make the DifferenceTracie SpencerGuitar
1990Anything Is PossibleDebbie GibsonGuitar
1990Swingin'DinoGuest Artist, Guitar
1990Wild Orchid Original SoundtrackAssociate Producer, composer, producer
198924/7DinoGuitar
1989A Night to RememberCyndi LauperGuitar
1989Desert WindOfra HazaGuitar
1989HomeStephanie MillsGuitar
1989Master of the GameJames "J.T." TaylorGuitar
1989Passion in the HeartShirley LewisGuitar
1989RawAlyson WilliamsGuest Artist, Guitar
1989RiverdancePeter MoffittGuitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
1989So HappyEddie MurphyGuitar
1988CKChaka KhanGuitar
1988Roll with ItSteve WinwoodGuitar
1987Don't Disturb This GrooveThe SystemGuest Artist, Guitar
1987Finer Things in LifeChuck StanleyGuitar
1987Never Never LandSimon F.Guitar (Electric)
1987Scars of LoveTKAGuitar
1987The HungerMichael BoltonGuitar
1987WhitneyWhitney HoustonGuitar
1986Come Share My LoveMiki HowardGuitar
1986Back in the High LifeSteve WinwoodGuitar
1986One Step CloserGavin ChristopherGuitar, Keyboards
1986DestinyChaka KhanGuitar, Guitar (Electric)
1986Dial My NumberPauli CarmanGuitar
1986HeartbeatDon JohnsonBass, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic)
1986Hot TogetherThe Pointer SistersGuitar
1986Inside OutPhilip BaileyComposer
1986Never Felt So GoodJames IngramGuitar
1986SouvenirsJenny BurtonGuitar
1986While the City Sleeps...George BensonGuitar
1985Chillin'The Force M.D.'sDrum Programming, Guitar
1985Everybody's CrazyMichael BoltonGuitar
1985How Could It BeEddie MurphyGuitar
1985Pleasure SeekersThe SystemComposer, Guitar
1985Street Called DesireRené & AngelaGuest Artist, Guitar
1985They Said It Couldn't Be DoneGrandmaster FlashAdditional Personnel, Drum Programming, Guitar
1985Love GamesEvan RogersGuitar
1984Chinese WallPhilip BaileyComposer
1984I Feel for YouChaka KhanGuitar
1984Let Me Be the OneAngela BofillComposer, Drum Programming, Guitar
1984Step By StepJeff LorberBass, Guitar
1984X-PerimentThe SystemGuitar, Primary Artist
1983Doin' It My WayHoward JohnsonGuitar
1983Madonna (album)MadonnaGuest Artist, Guitar

References
  1. Waugh, Lisa. Paul Pesco – Musician Extraordinaire Archived October 12, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, rockworldmagazine.com, August 18, 2011 (accessed January 31, 2016).
  2. Paul Pesco page on Facebook.com, post dated March 21, 2013 at 2:19 pm (accessed January 31, 2016)
  3. Paul Pesco Sits Down with AMS – Paul Pesco AMS Interview @YouTube.com Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  4. "Biography". Jango. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  5. "C+C Music Factory Biography". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  6. Waugh, Lisa. "Paul Pesco – Musician Extraordinaire". Rock World Magazine. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  7. Baltin, Steve. "Daryl Hall Finds Happiness in a 'Very F-ed Up World'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  8. Paul Pesco post, January 6, 2014 at 6:52 am (retrieved January 31, 2016)
  9. Paul Pesco post, January 6, 2014 at 7:45 am (retrieved January 31, 2016)
  10. Paul Pesco post, January 6, 2014 at 4:47 pm (retrieved January 31, 2016)
  11. "Pod X3 Live: I'm a believer!". Line6. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  12. "Paul Pesco". Fishman Pickups. Archived from the original on June 6, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  13. "Paul Pesco". K for Musicians. QSC Audio Products. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  14. Paul Pesco- "The Politics of Love" single @Discogs.com Retrieved December 21, 2013.
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