Paul Brewster was a tenor vocalist and rhythm guitarist with Ricky Skaggs for 25 years. He has since retired.
Albums:
- Skaggs/Hornsby – vocals on Come on Out
- Cluck Ol Hen – guitar, vocals
Instruments:
Paul Brewster: overview
Paul Brewster is a vocalist, musician, and songwriter, known for his work in the bluegrass and country music genres. With a career that spans several decades, Brewster made significant contributions as a performer, band member, and studio artist. His rich vocal style, coupled with his proficiency on various instruments, has earned him a prominent place in the music industry.
Early life and musical beginnings
Born to a country and bluegrass musician in Rockwood, Tennessee, Brewster’s musical journey began in the mid-1970s with the Knoxville Grass, a band that blended bluegrass, rock, and country elements into a unique sound. “We started with the upright bass, then went to an upright electric bass, and then we went with a real electric bass,” he recalls with a laugh. “And we were doing a lot of rock ‘n’ roll, contemporary things — but I listened to country music. I guess I brought in the country side of what we did.”
Following a tenure with the Osborne Brothers, where he deepened his appreciation for the blend of country and bluegrass, Brewster enjoyed a valuable learning experience. “I was raised on their MCA records—the country stuff, the harmonies. It was a great learning experience,” he reflects. His time with the Osborne Brothers taught him the importance of projecting his voice, as “if you didn’t sing out, you didn’t get heard.”
Solo work
His first solo CD was “Everybody’s Talkin’”, which features the Fred Neil song of the same name. While the focus of Skaggs’ group is on first-generation bluegrass classics, Brewster’s solo work took a different direction. The album includes half a dozen Brewster originals alongside selections from artists such as Neil, Don Williams, and Kris Kristofferson. With instrumentation that incorporates drums, pedal steel, and electric bass, it showcased a departure from traditional bluegrass.
Brewster’s music is deeply personal, reflecting his extensive career as a musician who has spent over 25 years exploring the intersection of bluegrass and country. He notes, “I did stuff from my heart, that I wanted to do. I wasn’t trying necessarily to please everybody. If I’d have done that, then I’d have been doing something that wasn’t my heart, and it probably wouldn’t have come off.” He appreciates the freedom he was given to create music that resonates with him.
Collaborations
For Everybody’s Talkin’, Brewster sought assistance from his bandmates and Skaggs, who signed him to his own Ceili Music label and co-produced several tracks, playing mandolin and guitar. Kentucky Thunder bassist Mark Fain co-produced the remainder of the album, resulting in a stunning collection that seamlessly blends heartfelt performances with Brewster’s originals. Tracks like “Don’t Go,” featuring harmony vocals from country star Lee Ann Womack, and “Teresa’s Song,” written for his wife, are poised to resonate with bluegrass fans for years to come.
In addition to his work with Ricky Skaggs, Brewster has collaborated with various artists and bands, including The Isaacs, Dailey & Vincent, and Blue Highway. His versatility as a vocalist and musician allows him to blend seamlessly into various musical contexts, making him a sought-after collaborator in the industry.
Musical style and influences
Paul Brewster’s musical style is rooted in traditional bluegrass and country music, characterized by his warm, expressive voice and intricate harmonies. His ability to convey emotion through his singing has resonated with audiences and fellow musicians alike. Brewster’s influences include bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs, as well as traditional country artists, shaping his unique sound and approach to music.