Dave:  Since the line up changed, and judging by the success of your latest CD, this is the best King Snakes ever, what do you think?

Paul:  The band is constantly evolving; at the time you think every band is great, but it’s a learning process the longer you’re on the road.  Earl Green, Rod Demick and Sonny Below have made a big difference, they’re experienced musicians who have played with the likes of Van Morrison and Wilson Pickett.  More importantly, they are great guys who are easy to work with and we all get on well together which is important when you’re together on the road for most of the year.

Dave:  What does it mean to be back home for this gig?

Paul:  I don’t get back to Newcastle too often as I live in London but it’s great to see my son Ryan and family and friends so it is very special. However, it’s back south tomorrow and on to another gig for Xmas Eve.

Dave:  What is your favourite venue?

Paul:  I love them all, whether a small club in Europe or a major festival, they offer something unique.  I particularly like the intimate atmosphere of the small jazz clubs in Germany.

Dave:   You have won dozens of awards, which one means the most to you?

Paul:  Without doubt, the Hall of Fame because that is recognition of your musicianship, whereas some of the others are more about popularity.

Dave:  How did your love of blues music start, as Blyth in the 1970s would hardly have been a hotbed of the music?

Paul:  That’s right but a friend introduced me to an EP of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee when I was in my early teens and it just took off from there; I was hooked!  I developed my own style and practised hard.  You can imagine the thrill many years later when I gigged with my idols years later when the legendary duo came to London.

Dave:  Who are your favourites on the blues circuit?

Paul:  Kim Wilson, Lonnie Brooks and John Hammond stand out because they have no ego, they are modest and yet outstanding performers.

Dave:  What is your next major project?

Paul: A Beatles Project with artists like Ruby Turner and Stan Webb which is to be recorded by Indigo, some of which will be acoustic.