Paul Cotruvo Lead Guitar / Vocals
The day the Beatles landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show, Paul was hooked on Music. And since he did not own a guitar, he did what any normal six year old would do, pick up a tennis racquet and start strumming. But soon the racquet gave way to an actual acoustic guitar (a sunburst Kay which weighed about 25 pounds!)
From that moment on, Paul would be consumed with music. So being a self taught musician and influenced by the British invasion and the San Francisco sound, Paul decided it was time to venture out and set out on a musical career.
At age 15, Paul got his first professional gig playing an acoustic set at The Melting Pot in Lafayette. Then at 16, he joined his first Band “Clouds of Joy” an original Band that played at some prominent clubs in the San Francisco Area, such as Keystone Berkeley.
Writing and composing original music is also a passion of Paul, So at age 18, Paul got together with Mark Stanley (local singer/songwriter) and Darcy Slade and formed an original acoustic music group named “Sunstorm”. That group grew into a very successful southern rock style Band that in the late 70’s and early 80’s were very popular in the East Bay. Sunstorm not only headlined many shows but also opened for Phil Everly, Keith and Donna (from the Grateful Dead) and Elvin Bishop.
It was also through that group that Paul met and played with two past Cover2Cover members, Robert O’Grady and Robert Stanton.
Sunstorm also gave Paul an opportunity to play music with his brother Rich, which led to a trip down to LA to cut a single “Let me take your Heart”, which to this date has sold more than 100 copies!
It wasn’t until the mid 80’s that Paul joined his first “Top 40” Band and discovered how fun it was to play dance music and to get the “House Rockin”.
“ What I really love about playing copy material is that it makes you a more versatile and disciplined musician.”
So from then on, Paul has been lucky enough to play in various Bands ranging from Blues, Country, Rock and Funk.
Whether doing a solo acoustic gig, duo or full rock band, “Original” or “Cover”, Paul continues to be a staple in the East Bay music scene.
Another passion of Paul’s is cycling. He has participated in various charitable events, which has included the California Aids Ride and Aids/Lifecycle, a multi-day 585-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. “ I feel I must do something to raise awareness of this horrific pandemic” Paul also plans to ride for future charities such as the Lance Armstrong Foundation benefiting cancer. And Paul’s philosophy? “ Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.”
Paul and Tracy Chapman sharing the
passion of music and cycling