Paul Tweed Band

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About the Band

The Paul Tweed Band is a seasoned blues, rock, and Americana outfit hailing from the Chippewa Valley region of Wisconsin, specifically based in Luddington. Since their formation in 2013, the band has established itself as a cornerstone of the local music scene, delivering a potent blend of original material alongside carefully selected covers that span the blues, rock, and roots music spectrum. The band brings together seasoned musicians with studio quality musical abilities. 

"It's all about the groove, the feeling, the tone, and the emotion when it comes to the music," is the philosophy that drives this group of veteran musicians. The band takes both well-known classics and deeper cuts, wrapping them in blues, rock, and jam-influenced arrangements that keep audiences engaged and entertained. With Paul Tweed Band, you never know what style, groove, or song is coming next—it's a musical journey down memory lane while creating new moments along the way.

Active since 2014 under their current iteration, the band has performed extensively throughout Wisconsin, becoming regulars at the Chippewa Valley Blues Society events, Tuesday Night Blues series, and venues across the region.

 

Current Members

Paul Tweed - Guitar & Vocals

Paul Tweed is the creative force behind the band, serving as the primary songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. With decades of experience across multiple instruments including guitar, drums, bass, banjo, steel guitar, mandolin, and trumpet, Paul has traversed the musical landscape from jazz and rock bands to country and blues ensembles. His extensive experience on the road and in the studio informs the band's authentic sound and dynamic live performances. Paul also operates Bar-N Recording Studio in Fall Creek, where the band records its original material. His songwriting draws from a lifetime of musical exploration, creating originals that sit comfortably alongside classic blues and rock staples.

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Bob Whelihan - Bass

Bob Whelihan is a true road warrior of the Wisconsin music scene. Starting his musical journey in 1969, Bob's career began in a garage and graduated to teen dances, beer bars, and ballrooms throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. His impressive resume includes stints with numerous notable local acts: Carnaby Street, Kicks, First Impression, Mickey Larson, and Dixie Duffey. Bob later relocated to Milwaukee and Chicago, where he toured and recorded with Rockabilly Hall of Fame member Jules Blattner and the Warren Groovy All Star Band, traveling extensively throughout the US and Canada. Upon returning to Eau Claire, he joined forces with Bigg Grin and Wolves at the Door. Bob's deep pocket and rock-solid bass lines, honed through sharing stages with incredibly talented musicians across North America, provide the foundation for the Paul Tweed Band's groove-oriented sound.

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Larry Nelson - Keyboards & Vocals

Larry Nelson brings rich keyboard textures and backing vocals to the Paul Tweed Band's signature sound. A highly skilled player with extensive experience in blues, rock, and roots music, Larry's keyboard work adds depth and dimension to the band's arrangements. His ability to move seamlessly between piano, organ, and synthesizer sounds allows the band to explore a wide sonic palette. Larry's vocal harmonies complement Paul's lead vocals perfectly, creating the rich vocal blend that has become a hallmark of the band's live performances. His musical sensibility and years of experience help elevate the band's interpretations of both original material and carefully chosen covers.

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John LeBrun - Drums

John LeBrun anchors the Paul Tweed Band with his powerful, dynamic drumming. A versatile percussionist comfortable in multiple styles, John's playing provides the perfect combination of technical precision and feel that drives the band's groove. John picked up his first pair of drumsticks in 1969 and played his first gig in 1974. Since 1978, he’s been a familiar face on stages throughout the Chippewa Valley, performing with a wide range of musicians and bands. His dedication to drumming has earned him the nickname "the hardest working drummer in the Chippewa Valley." 

Over the years, John has played with several groups, including the Jones Tones, Lucy Creek Blues Band, Code Blue, Jenny and the Jets, and The Jim Phillips Project. These days, he’s actively performing with the Paul Tweed Band, Weapons of Brass Destruction, Transistor Radio, Mission Drive Street Band, and Hazy Shade of Gray. 

His ability to navigate the varied terrain of the band's repertoire—from shuffling blues to driving rock to more nuanced Americana passages—makes him an invaluable part of the rhythm section. John's drumming is both sensitive and commanding, knowing when to lay back in the pocket and when to push the energy forward. His chemistry with bassist Bob Whelihan creates a formidable rhythm section that gives the band its solid foundation.

 

Musical Style & Repertoire

The Paul Tweed Band delivers a tasty mix of rockin' blues and traditional blues music that appeals to all ages. Their setlists feature a carefully curated selection of originals alongside songs that audiences should know but might not hear from every band. The group's deep collective history—performing with more bands than they care to mention all across the United States—brings authenticity and polish to every performance.

The band's sound encompasses:

• Traditional Blues: Honoring the masters while bringing fresh energy to classic forms

• Blues Rock: High-energy interpretations that get audiences moving

• Americana & Alt Country: Roots-oriented material that showcases the band's versatility

• Original Material: Songs penned by Paul Tweed that blend seamlessly with the classics

Whether delivering a slow-burning blues ballad, an uptempo rocker, or an extended jam, the Paul Tweed Band consistently delivers performances marked by excellent musicianship, genuine emotion, and an obvious love for the music.

 

Discography & Recording

The band records at Bar-N Recording Studio in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, Paul Tweed's own facility set up to meet a wide variety of recording needs. The relaxed rural atmosphere allows the band's creativity to thrive. They are affiliated with Bar-N Records label.

Paul Tweed has released solo material available on most streaming services and at paultweedband.com, including the "Bar-N Sessions" and “Living on this Farm” albums, which showcases Paul's multi-instrumental abilities and songwriting craft. Fans have provided a rich history of performance videos found on YouTube showcasing the live sound of the band. https://tinyurl.com/ptbandlive.

 

 

Live Performance

The Paul Tweed Band has built a strong reputation as a compelling live act throughout Wisconsin and beyond. They are regular performers at:

• Chippewa Valley Blues Society events

• Tuesday Night Blues concert series

• Festivals and music venues across Wisconsin

• Private events and celebrations

• Summer Lakeside shows in Northern Wisconsin

The band's performances are characterized by tight ensemble playing, spontaneous moments, and an ability to read and respond to their audience. Each show offers something unique—the band is known for taking risks, extending jams, and creating musical moments that can only happen in live performance.

 

Contact & Booking

Label: Bar-N Records
Origin: Fall Creek, Wisconsin
Years Active: 2014 - Present
Website: paultweedband.com
Booking: Bar-N Productions
Email: paul@bar-n-studio.com

 

In Their Own Words

"When it comes to the band's direction, it comes from everywhere—be ready to go there."
— Paul Tweed Band

The Paul Tweed Band continues to bring authentic, heartfelt music to audiences throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond, honoring the blues tradition while forging their own path with original material and inspired interpretations of songs both familiar and obscure.