Review of "Just Can't Stay"
by Roy Elkins, founder of Broadjam.com.
"The intro reminds me of Paul Simon. Man, I love the Hammond. This is a great vocal performance, fantastic songwriting, vocal phrasing and the instrumentation is almost perfect. The drummer is probably one of the best I've heard on this site. Background vocals and overall arrangement is world class. The song just kept getting better and better as it went on. It kind of sounded like Steve Winwood near the end of the song. There are very tasteful guitar fills to support the vocals-it's obvious these musicians know when not to play. The producer is great."

When Paul Sforza left New York City to move to Atlanta, 
New York lost a gem...

Lifelines is like fine wine, it's sweet when you like it sweet, warm when you need warming up, and indulgent when you need to be indulged.  Fact is, like fine wine, it's timeless.  It's the kind of music you want playing in your car's CD player when you pick your new girlfriend up for your date on Friday night.  If that don't get her to come back to your apartment then you never stood a chance anyway..."   

Billy Jones 
Idle Hands Magazine 
www.idlehandsmag.com

 

...akin to '70s and '80s pop-soul like Steve Winwood or Michael McDonald... an instant classic pop feel that has drawn people to the foot of the stage to boogie....   
Read the Article

Brad Barnes
Columbus Ledger-Inquirer

With rock songwriting that's both straightforward and comfortably timeless, it's easy to understand why Paul Sforza hasn't received much notice among trend-conscious industry (and critic) types. It also wouldn't be surprising to someday find his music on mainstream rock and pop stations. His Lifelines CD is impeccably crafted and unapologetically commercial, while songs such as "Over and Over" are simply stunning. 

Roni Sarig
Creative Loafing

...reminiscent of Eric Clapton, Elton John, The Beatles, Queen... [a] wide array of musical influences and tight musicianship...

"You Don't Have to Hide Your Feelings" is a delicate but strong and solid display of musicianship, talent and production that serves as a prime example of the commercial product that [he] can deliver...

Gian Fiero
the musesmuse.com

Local songwriter/band leader Paul Sforza begins his debut album, Lifelines, with 'Over and Over,' an irresistible slice of piano-driven '70's AOR pop-soul... competent, confident songwriting... sophisticated adult pop worth hearing.

Roni Sarig
Creative Loafing

Highly textured singer/songwriter stuff... Paul's voice has plenty of emotion and a great range. The music ranges from a rocky tune to jazzy stuff to a ballad flavored, slow jazz/blues tune… it's all done with [an] earnest sound and lyrics... very marketable stuff that should be on the radio any minute now... catch him before he hits the big time.

Ear Plugs for Atlanta
DegeneratePress.com


...Paul Sforza has that clean and crisp vocal quality that is very hard to find… the drums have a tight jazz feel, the keyboards shine on every song, the background vocals are right on the money, saxophones bleed in and out with finesse, the bass guitar holds it all together with smooth transitions, Paul's vocals are clean, and the guitar work has a just right jazz touch... style and grace… [a] sweet and strategic display of mood and music…

Chris Horton
Southern Local Area Bands

"You had me at hello." The 3 song EP from this New York born, turned Atlanta based singer/songwriter/guitarist/ pianist draws you in instantly.

The first song ("Just Can't Stay") begins with a rhythmic shuffle followed by a crisp unobtrusive guitar. Then add the warm timbre of Sforza's voice and gently fade in the organ. The sound is immediately intriguing and misleading. You get the sense that you're about to listen to one of those songs perfectly suited for scented candles and light rain. And you'd be as wrong as I was The piece evolves into a very groovy energetic rocker tinged with jazz.

I tried to figure out why listening to Sforza's EP felt comfortable and familiar. Did the sound remind me of Bruce Hornsby or Steve Winwood? Then the epiphany. Sforza is reminiscent of my own sentiments and moods. He speaks of places we've all been to one degree or another.

Favorite track: "One Way"(track #3) It just makes you feel. You'll understand that assessment when you hear the song. Until then you'll just have to trust me.

Favorite line: "If a friend is a lover and a lover's a friend why isn't anyone together when the story ends" (from "Just Can't Stay" -- track #1)

Paul is one of those songwriters that has the ability to etch a string of images in your subconscious. If you close your eyes and listen, you can almost see a music video version of his songs. His debut album is due to be released soon and the line forms to the left. Behind me.

Karsten Durand
AtlantaMusicScene.com

 

 

 

 

Paul Sforza's debut album, Lifelines, boasts a rich soulfulness grounded in Sforza's smooth bluesy vocals and lyrics inspired by his own life experiences... a collection of 11 originals with a polished groove... Read the Article

Amy McDaniel
Creative Loafing

 

photos: Deborah Celecia, Ian Holms, Doug Moore