Paul Downes

Paul Downes is an English folk guitarist, singer and composer. He has appeared on eight albums with bands, three solo albums and has over 150 session credits. He has toured every concert venue, theatre and festival in Britain, plus many tours in the US and Europe, as well as appearing in cabaret in the West Indies and newsreading on US radio.

Biography Born in Exeter, Devon, Downes played classical guitar in his youth. He played a solo recital in Westminster Abbey at the age of 16 and subsequently took up folk music. When Zorn returned to the states, Downes toured with Pete Seeger before being asked to sit in on the first Joyce Gang gig. are an Anglo/Irish roots band with whom Downes has recorded five albums. He still plays with the Joyce Gang and as a solo artist, as well as occasional reunions with Phil Beer and Arizona Smoke Revue.

Downes has recently formed a collaboration with Mick Ryan, several of whose songs he had previously recorded. Downes plays guitar for Ryan's folk opera The Navvy's Wife and they are toured as a duo in 2009.

He is a supporter of Exeter Chiefs.

Discography Downes and Beer Life Ain't Worth Living (1973) Dance Without Music (1976) Live in Concept (1980) Live at Nettlebed (2008)

Arizona Smoke Revue Arizona Smoke Revue A Thunder in the Horizon The Blackwater Boys

Joyce Gang Joyce Gang Sober for a Week Deadhead Can't Dance In Yer Face – Live No True Road

Solo Still Life Life Goes On Directly Overdue Life Restored (reissue of Still Life and Life Goes On)

with Mick Ryan Grand Conversation The Navvy's Wife