He received his first guitar from, community activist, Chester “Buddy” George and started teaching himself to play the instrument at the age of fifteen.
When he was nineteen, Paul started working in bars and nightclubs, having received instruction and encouragement from local musicians. His early mentors were local guitarists Tom “TC” Brown and Jimmy McCann.
Four years later, he played guitar in the nine-piece show band “Pain & Pure Pleasure” and served an apprenticeship in “Brotherhood”, a jazz quartet featuring bandleader and organist Richard Lee, a mentor of guitarist, George Benson.,
joined the “Providence Spiritual Singers” gospel group. George “Coots” Thomas introduced Paul to the renowned band leader Hal Crook leading to a brief period of guitar lessons with Frank Potenza.
In 1995, he formed the brand, The Sweet P Blues Band, based in Providence, RI, and created the brand “Sweet P Guitar” featuring Paul’s vocals and guitar work. Additionally, the band has appeared at numerous venues throughout the Rhode Island and New England areas.
Paul is the guitarist for R&B dance band “Steppin Out featuring New Image”, the RPM Voices of RI, a member of the American Federation of Musicians and the Lois Vaughn Jazz Band. He is the Music Coordinator at the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative as well as a Board member of the Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society.
A bandleader and contractor, Paul offers options to meet all of your entertainment needs, ranging from solo performances to dance bands to a freelance guitarist.
With a love, ear and a natural feel for many genres, Paul Alexander Williams is a versatile and dynamic performer who brings professionalism and experience to any playing situation.
1978 – Present