Bio / CV
Paul Geary is responsible for laying down the low frequencies of Nik Kershaw’s band. In 1993, he was voted Best “New Musician” by the British Music Association and has since established himself as one of the UK’s foremost studio bassists and active session musician.
Paul started his playing career comparatively late, having had no formal music training. He started playing bass in a gospel church at the age of 18 and shortly after this he went on to study music in the US and is now an Honours Graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston USA, and B.I.T, Musicians Institute of Technology in Los Angeles, California. He received his first break in 1991, working with soul diva Lisa Stansfield and Gabrielle.
Shortly after this, he went on to work with Chris Rea and played alongside Jools Holland as part of the Princes Trust Rock School. Later in the autumn of 1993, he started playing bass for Chris Norman, the former lead singer of Smokie.1994 brought relocation to London to head up to the Academy of Contemporary Music’s bass school.
Paul still found time in his busy schedule of full time courses at the Academy to lecture live performance workshops and he is also a contributor and columnist for Bass Guitar Magazine. Three years later, in 1997, Paul recorded a new studio album and went on tour with Nik Kershaw. Two years later, a second album with Kershaw followed.
Current gig/show(s)
At present, Paul is working with Nik Kershaw, Paul Young and The DireStraits Experience, and splits his time between this and lecturing. Paul is in demand as a bass player, music director and educator.
Notable musicians/bands/shows you have played for/with/in?
The years have been busy touring and working as a music director and session musician with huge artists such as Lisa Stansfield, Gabrielle, George Michael, Simply Red, Chris Rea, A1, Nik Kershaw, Donny and Marie Osmond, The Lighthouse Family, Liberty X, Chris Norman, Geri Halliwell, Dane Bowers, Sophie Ellis Bexter, Clarksville, Enrique, Phix, Dside, Blazing Squad, Rachel Stevens, Mary J. Blige, Westlife and The DireStraits Expereience.
Which model Overwater bass do you play?
I play an Overwater standard Jazz 4 string and a Perception 5 string, Birdseye maple neck and fingerboard, Balken white maple top.
Why do you choose to play Overwater basses?
I play Overwater quite simply because they never let me down, or fail to deliver, both on stage or in the studio. Totally reliable and made to measure. Also, Chris May is a really nice bloke!
How long have you owned an Overwater bass?
I have been part of the Overwater family since 2010 when Chris made me my first Perception bass.
