Paul Toscano MoreSugar October 2015

Putnam County Musician Paul Toscano is Experiencing The Second Act Blues

Written by: Jacque Roche

Paul Toscano is a man on a mission. If you love the Blues, you may have heard him on his radio show, Pawling Public Radio’s, PorkChop’s BluesTime, or seen him blowing harp in Putnam’s historic Freight House Café in Mahopac or Walsh’s Town Tavern in Patterson. 

Thankfully, since his retirement Paul has time to indulge in his true passion, playing the harp. “I first picked up the harp at age 17 and enjoyed it. In my 40’s I started to truly appreciate it. I never had the time to commit because of a full time job.  At 53 I was a stay-at-home Dad with time to focus. That’s when I absolutely fell in love with playing harp!” 6 years ago I performed in front of a live audience for the first time.  My brother, and mentor in all things music, was performing in Utica, NY with, Sour Mash Blues Band.  They called me on stage without any rehearsal. The positive feedback felt incredible.”

Those in the know have no doubt heard of Paul Toscano’s gifted harp playing. Paul’s mission is to spread the word. The Blues are coming back big time. What you may not know, is that The Blues Drivers will be leading the charge!

Paul is the driving force behind the group, who along his collaborator, Tony Cataldo began working on a Blues Project, November 2013. “Tony and I were in a local band. We would talk about the old Blues stuff we wanted to do and assembled a small group. Neither of us had led a band before, but we could hear that there was something special between us. After trying to front the band for a while, I suggested we look for a woman vocalist. Fast forward a year, some line up changes and we finally have the group we wanted.”

The formula for this dynamic Sextet is a deliberate combination of Chicago, Texas, and Contemporary styles reflecting their deep affection of the Blues.  The Blues Drivers consist of: Trish Keane, Vocals, Doc Lynch, Drums, Tony Cataldo, Bass, Gary Broderson, Keyboards/Vocals, Big Johnny Scopaletti, Guitar/Vocals, and Paul Toscano, Harp/Vocals/Guitar.

As of press time, upcoming performances are: The Freight House, Mahopac, NY. Oct 31, Nov 14 and Dec 12

The Blues Drivers are booking for 2015 and can be contacted through Facebook Messenger or email: JacqueButterflyPresents@gmail.com. To keep up with The Blues Drivers follow them on Facebook or http://www.thebluesdrivers.net/about-the-band.html.

Jacque Roche is a “More Sugar” contributor, author of a weekly “Positive Insights” newsletter, booker, FB Jedi Master and host of, Jacque’s Giant Hudson Valley Music Show on 103.7 WPWL, streaming Thursday from 8-9 pm EST on www.pawlingpublicradio.org.  Can I tell your story?  Send an email to: jacquebutterflypresents@gmail.com.