Paolo Caruso played percussion w/ Mink DeVille at "Live at Montreux 1982"

A German DeVille fan wanted to know who the percussion player was on Mink DeVille's 'Stand By Me' and 'Slow Drain' (From "Live at Montreux 1982"). Mink DeVille guitarist at that time, Paul James himself, gave us the answer: "it was Paolo Caruso. He also introduced Willy, off stage, on mike thru the PA, at the beginning and at the end of the show for the encore. He was the drum tech and played conga drums on a couple songs. he played on 'Slow Drain' also". - Cheers! Paul.

[vid: Eagle Rock]

Paolo Caruso, not to be confused with with Paul Caruso (1956-2006) who played with Jimi Hendrix, began self-taught with Afro-Cuban and Brazilian percussion rhythms and instruments. He later took specialized courses from the New York Drummers Collective, studying with Frankie Malabe (Peter Erkine group) and Cyro Baptista (David Byrne, Paul Simon). He has participated in various tours in Italy and abroad with the band of singer-songwriter Luca Carboni. He participated in "Festival del Ritmo e delle Percussioni", playing with drummers Daniele Tedeschi (Vasco Rossi) and Walter Calloni (Lucio Battisti, PFM). He has played and worked with singer Willy DeVille, English group Urban Cookies Collective, Frontera, Funky Company, Sambahia, Mario Lavezzi, Stadio, Daniele Fossati, Gang, Alberto Solfrini, Nomadi, Paolo Rossi, Tosca, Vinicio Capossela, Vinx, Airto Moreira, Bob Moses. [source: cantodiscanto.com]. Paolo Caruso on MySpace.

[photo: afroeira.com]

If you want to know more about Paul James read: Paul James is a real musician's, musician. Or read this nice interview with Paul James at SMALL TOWN TORONTO.

[photo: pauljamesband.com]