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As part of his course, Paul studied composition and orchestration whilst at Kneller Hall (he won, amongst others, both the prestigious Cousins and Cassell's prizes), but it was in the "real world" of TV, sessions and gigs that he claimed his arranging wings.
 

In those ancient days of Osmiroid Music Pens, manuscript paper bought by the half-ream and cassettes, Paul arranged for a great variety of clients - including many of the cabaret, pop and theatrical artists for whom he also played bass - acquiring vital practical experience that stood him in good stead when he found himself in the fast and furious world of TV music and (especially) jingle production. Then, as now, a music item might even be briefed, commissioned, written, arranged and recorded in one day...

Quicktime audio

Some rough mixes of 2009 arrangements (backing tracks).
More soon.

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In 1999 he began using Sibelius score-writing software, and - coincidentally - shortly afterwards was invited to arrange 4 tightly-produced, ambitious, cruise production shows for Live Business Grosvenor ... a happy partnership that endured for 5 years and some 16 shows in total (most of which are still playing). The music and vocals of many of these shows were also recorded; seamlessly integrating top studio musicians and singers with MIDI (sampled) sequences and showcasing Paul's skills in this particular genre. At this time he was also playing bass, arranging and composing incidental music for BBC TV's Jim Davidson's Generation Game - a gig that continued until the series was axed.

2000 saw him acting as musical director for the successful UK tour of the stage show Dusty - The Musical Tribute featuring multi-talented Karen Noble, with a great and happy team of musicians, including Colin Reece, the legendary Chris Rae and singers Jane Beaumont and Linda Newport. Paul also took on the music preparation/editing duties for this venture. Following the tour, clients included Orange, BBC, Elaine Paige, Music By Design and many others including the aforementioned Music Sales Group - Paul has transcribed and played on over 50 of their best-selling book/CD issues. - nearly every UK music shop stocks a selection of these. In 2007 just two of his jobs were arranging and recording string overdubs for 3 tracks on Tiny Martin's album Rhinestone, and arranging/producing "The Son Of Music" for Franco Severi.

Since late 2007 he's been busy creating sophisticated, large ensemble scores destined to entertain audiences on many world-class cruise liners, among them the Queen Mary 2. In addition, long-standing clients such as Jackie Rawe, Musicalities and Lewis Targar and others continue to come back for new, bespoke arrangements. In 2009, as well as preparing a number of substantial orchestral arrangements for Paul Potts, he was pleased to welcome exciting singer Suzi Woods as a new client

No job (as they say) is too small or too large, and solo acts who might be looking for more modest charts; rhythm (with 3 front line, perhaps), will find prices pleasantly competitive - and don't forget - each arrangement wil be unique and tailored to your range and style, and will benefit from Paul's considerable - real world - experience...

For details of Paul's arranging process, or to discuss your own requirements please get in touch. Paul intends to post more audio and visual examples of his work on this page in the near future - if you'd like see a PDF example he'd be pleased to send some.

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Many thanks to all the musicians and production people.

enquiries@townsendmusic.co.uk
 

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