Paul McDermand: From the Mainland to the Islands

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Paul McDermand began his musical career as a freelance percussionist in the Chicago area. In 1981, he moved to the Phoenix area, lending his artistry to film scores, commercial jingles, symphonic productions and stage shows of every description. McDermand has performed with a vast list of big-name entertainers, including Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Liberace, the Temptations, and the Moody Blues.

In 1993, McDermand received an invitation from New York to join a revival tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, featuring the stars of Norman Jewison’s 1973 motion picture. McDermand accepted, anchoring the rhythm section during sold-out performances throughout the world’s finest theatrical venues. Upon his return to Scottsdale, Arizona, McDermand began to develop an assortment of instrumental arrangements built around the steel drums and marimba, resulting in numerous CD releases. These recordings are embraced the world over for their easy nature and exotic beauty; popular pianist Roger Williams once wrote to McDermand, “If you don’t stop making these beautiful recordings, you’ll put me out of business!”

With his rising demand as a concert artist, McDermand appears both as leader of his own group and as a guest soloist with the finest ensembles, often alongside guitar virtuoso Esteban.