Paul Jost Sings His Life

The first time you hear Paul Jost’s new album Simple Life you think, “Who is this guy?” He sings with quirky phrasing. He sometimes talks and often whispers. He also wails, like when he scats across “Blackbird” in a headlong dash. His mannerisms are disarming because he is so believable. He sounds real. His lived-in, slightly frayed voice belongs to someone who has been around the block.

Jost, now 57, has been a professional musician (primarily a drummer) since he was 12. His long list of former employers includes Billy Eckstine and Dr. John. He is a composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and teacher. His compositions have appeared in advertising jingles and also on recordings by Carl Perkins and the Band.