Whether it's the look in his eyes, or the heartfelt soul within each note that he sings, Paul Ammendola has the innate ability to capture the heart of each and every person who has the opportunity of listening to his music. When Paul was born, he was cast into a family of musical talent: His grandfather was the leader and drummer for a swing band in the 1930's, his brother John is a guitarist and his sister Laura is a singer. But it doesn't stop there. Throughout the extended branches of the Ammendola family tree, entertainers abound. Guitarists, singers, songwriters, jazz pianists and opera singers are among the Ammendola family circle. It had to be fate that Paul's career path was paved at an early age: the path to the recording studio.
Paul grew up in Floral Park, Long Island. While attending high school, he began polishing his existing talent by performing with high school bands Never Surrender and Heartless Dreamer, as well as Greyface after school and on weekends. Both of his parents have always proven to be honest, supportive, and encouraging of Paul's career choice. This support system enabled him to further his education, benefiting him within every aspect of the music industry. To broaden his knowledge of the recording studio and the industry in general, Paul attended Five Towns College for Recording Engineering. He also attended Nassau Community College for Business Administration, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of a great business man, whom Paul has looked up to since childhood: his father. He was also blessed with his Mother's strong will and individuality. Through her actions, she instilled in Paul the importance of pursuing ones own interests and goals. His parents proved to him that by staying true to himself and true to his beliefs, he has the ability to make positive changes in the world around him. In order to expand his writing abilities, and better communicate with his audience, Paul attended Queens College for English and Communications. He was lucky to have had the unique opportunity of studying with some of the finest teachers whose lineage include some of the worlds most successful musicians such as Mozart, Oscar Peterson, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Paul impressed the judges in a recent Billboard Song Contest, finishing within the top 1 percent. He has graced the stage throughout the New York area, appearing in such notable venues as CBGB's, La Bar Bat, The Hard Rock, The Elbow Room, The Bitter End, and The Dark Star/Triad Theatre. He is currently a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Artists and Sciences (NARAS) and a member of the Songwriter's Guild Of America, the National Academy of Popular Music, BMI, and the Society Of Singers, and is the founder of Sebastian Music (named for his Grandfather).
Growing up, Paul was by nature outgoing at times and shy at others. Friends called him "contemplative" which ended up being an asset to his musical abilities, giving him a creative edge and a passion that can be rivaled only by the likes of some of the world's most outstanding musicians. Paul has a distinct style of his own, created by a beautiful entanglement of traits derived from musicians who have influenced him through the years. A hint of James Taylor can be detected in his story-telling style. An air of Billy Joel envelops his songwriting, and a touch of Elton John is felt in the passion of his voice. In his lyrics, you can almost imagine Neal Peart or Bernie Taupin guiding his pen. His infectious melodies are reminiscent of The Beatles, and a Marvin Gaye "feel good" sound emits from each of Paul's songs. Moreover, there is a Led Zeppelin timelessness that will go on forever.
The term "complex individual" can't begin to describe Paul. He is more than that. His wife Lisa, whom he met at a Halloween party in 1993 ("She was a cat, I was a pirate. It was love at first site," Paul recalls fondly), could not have known Paul's depth when she met him. Through the years, Lisa has clearly become the key to Paul's inspiration driving his spirit both personally, and professionally. Lisa is his biggest fan, and perhaps his toughest critic: "She is my musical sounding board; nothing gets past her". But Lisa is not the only woman in Paul's life. In March 2001 he fell in love again. With the arrival of their daughter Camille, came an awareness and love that only a new baby can bring. "She has taught me how to live in the moment, come out of myself and be more selfless". Although she is too young to realize it, Camille has introduced Paul to a whole new world, and an entire new outlook on life. His family is his strength, and the primary focus for Paul. The ability to balance his career and his family is a challenge, but it is a challenge that he embraces, and does so seemingly effortlessly. Paul is mysterious and dark, yet his music emits a brilliant ray of light. In his words one finds an uplifting spirit to satisfy the hunger of the soul. Paul's influences aren't limited to the music world. He is also an avid reader of inspirational books, which tends to show up often through the spirituality of his work. Authors Deepak Chopra, Paolo Coelho, M. Scott Peck and Anthony Robbins are among his favorites.
Paul's philosophy on life and music is unique and refreshing. He loves life - everything about it. To Paul, each day holds a story of it's own, a song to be written. He doesn't look at the past with regrets, but looks towards the future with anticipation "Let the past be a lesson or a precious memory and the future be a beautiful world of possibilities". Paul loves the pace of life, and accepts its changes with enthusiasm. He is both simple and complex. He is intriguing and spiritual. Constantly challenging himself with his own thoughts, his creation of music is nothing less than breathtaking. His lyrics are soulful, intelligent, and passionate. He is eternally grateful. These are the makings of Paul Ammendola. These are the makings of the music he creates. A legend in the making, Paul Ammendola is here to stay. Get to know him.
Paul's debut CD, Let The Wind Dance, has received rave reviews within the entertainment industry.
Reviews, Bio & Various Info:
1)Finished in the top 1% of The Billboard Song Contest
2)"Paul Ammendola Sparkles throughout" Lou Ghiraldi, Good Times Magazine
3)"Soulful vocals, kind of a cross between Paul Rodgers and Steve Winwood" The Music Paper
4)"Ammendola offers a diverse selection of songs with passionately sung lyrics, "Heart of a Man" is a winner and sounds like it could be on commercial radio across the dial" Brad Shafran, Good Times Magazine
5)Paul Ammendola has qualities that would make you think of Billy Joel(Song construction, ballads & Philosophical Musings), Paul McCartney(Multi Instrumentalist) or Bryan Adams(The knack for the sentimental ballad that has kept Adams in the limelight, year after year)", "Tracks such as "Heart of a Man", "Everything and Nothing" and "Compromise" are all touching, personal and pleasant adult contemporary rock songs that would probably have every stockbroker and housewife on Long Island wearing out the CD in short order. It's nice from start to finish. Paul Ammendola is a quality artist." Dennis Riley, The Long Island Entertainment.
6)"His music is sweet and the lyrics are comtemplative, from the upbeat "Balance in Time" to the elegiacal track "Everything and Nothing." Ammendola is a performer of real breadth, expressing warmth and melencholy without getting oversentimental. Imagine a combination of "Hello, It's Me"-era Todd Rundgren and pre-muslim Cat Stevens. Infuse it with a general sense of optimism and you've got Paul Ammendola. You'll feel good after listening to this CD." Amy Frushour-Kelly, The Island Ear.
7)Influences: Elton John, Billy Joel, Rush, Journey, Led Zeppelin, James Taylor & Marvin Gaye
8)His early background in music has provided a relaxed, confident appearance to his performances. Strong family influence going back two generations with a grandfather being the leader/drummer of a swing big band in the 1930's.
9)Cross over potential for radio formats.
10)Performances: Club Sin'e, The Bitter End, True Blue, Cafe Wha?, The Dark Star, Mondo Cane, The Orange Bear, Nobody's, Sparks, The Right Track Inn, FM's, Rum Runners, Hammerheadz, February's, Raffles, J.D. Gates, Lennon's Pub, Beau Jangles, Cafe Daytona, The Dublin Pub, Mother McGee's, Aidan O'Haras, Malachy's, Kenny's Castaways, The Hard Rock, The Elbow Room and CBGB's, La Bar Bat.
11)Organizations: NARAS(Voting Member/Grammy's), Songwriters Guild of America, National Academy of Popular Music, BMI & Society of Singers
12)Available at Amazon.com and CD Baby. Or by contacting Sebastian Music at 516-616-4898 or ammendola@msn.com.
13)I want to reach the spirit of People of all races and gender and sing to their souls.
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