WORD ON THE STREET...

 Paul Craver: The King of Beach Music
(DI Jean Benard's blog entry posted May 19, 2008 
on Popcorn World in Belgium)

 
  What better way to enjoy this beautiful weather than with beach music? And speaking of beach music, there is no better entertainer than Paul Craver.
  The multi-award-winning vocalist is among the best of the best in the style of Carolina Beach Music, and personally sent me his new release, "(I'm Just A) Fool For You," originally recorded by Gene Chandler.
  I am very pleased to recommend to you this song as well as "Emperor of My Baby's Heart," the artist's version of the Kurt Harris original.
  I play both songs every night during my radio program, and the listeners enjoy them very much.


***

 Nobody's `Fool': Craver's Got Another Hit
(Posted February 8, 2008 on  DistinctivelyBeach)

   It's not available on CD yet, but Paul Craver's latest release is scaling radio charts so fast it'll make your head spin.
   Members of 94.9 The Surf's listening community cast online votes that gave "(I'm Just A) Fool For You" its debut spot on the Weekly Top 40 Beach and Boogie Countdown two weeks ago. The following week, the song moved up - get this - 18 notches to claim the #12 position. 
   And in case you're wondering, yeah...it's that good, and yeah...it's in the Ms. Distinctively Beach Top 20 this month.
   The original recording, performed by Gene Chandler on the 1966 Constellation release, has that classic mixture of Motown and R&B that made the 1960's such a prominent era in music history.
   "(I'm Just A) Fool For You" is already gaining momentum as a contender for Smoothie of the Year in the 2008 CBMA Awards and, I'm betting, will result in other Cammy nominations for Craver as well.
   Visit The Surf on the web to learn how you can participate in its weekly voting activities.

***

Macon, Memphis & Muscle Shoals- Paul Craver
(A Neal "Soul Dog" Furr Review posted on beachmusic45)

  Is there a nicer, more humble individual in the world of Beach music today than Paul Craver? He has quietly been getting it done for what about thirty five years or so, never tooting his own horn but always praising those around him. Whether he is leading a band, performing as part of a duet or going solo, the sterling effort displayed by Paul is always a model of consistency.
   Paul has had two previous solo album releases on the Ripete label – Let The Music Play and Where Ever Love Is Found. Normally when a recording artist comes out with a new album, the DJ’s tend to get behind one or two songs at most. Those are the ones that generally go up the charts over time. On each of Paul’s first two releases, the DJ’s were all over the place. There were so many good selections on these albums that at least seven songs from each were getting listed.
   The title track from Paul’s latest effort zoomed into the Top 10 of the beachmusic45 “Smokin’ 45” and stayed on the chart for nearly two years. The song, written by Ron Moody, is a fitting tribute to the soul music recording hot spots in the South in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. Another outstanding tribute song on this CD is the late great Little Milton’s "We’re Gonna Make It" as performed by Paul and Shaggie Maggie’s Pam Russell. They also team up on a smooth version of Delbert McClinton’s "Just You And Me". Also featured are the hard hitting "In Her Own Way"," Love Sure Looks Good On You" and "You Better Move On" in the distinctive Craver style that just gets better with time. His solid cover of the O’Jays’ "Don’t Let It Get You Down" was previously released as a single and had already been getting some radio and DJ recognition. Ten tracks in all on Ripete Records – go out and get it and tell them Soul Dog sent you. If you see Paul, tell him you are listening. He will stop and take the time to talk – I guarantee it!