ABOUT:
Les Paulhus
Personal History
Backgrounder and Training
Personal Background:
Born in Vancouver, Les has lived in Ottawa for most of his life with periods spent in Toronto, off and on.
Starting early influenced by his older brothers' playing in local bands, Les began to play guitar and sing in teen club bands during his junior public and high school days. From then on it was all bands - all the time, for him and his music pals, some of whom have now become well known Canadian performers.
Moving over to keyboards, Les' big break came when his band "Chucklebait" landed the opening act gig for Alice Cooper's date at the Ottawa Civic Center on his Billion Dollar Baby tour. When asked to choose between two Ottawa acts to open for him, Alice reportedly said: "I'll take the funny band". Though they were not in fact, a comedy act, things took off after that and over the ensuing years Les went on to appear in many well know Canadian recording and touring acts such as Flyer, FIST, Butler, Shooter, The Stacey Heydon Band, Telemann, Wrabit and Charlie Major. Peak moments during his time in these bands was their being selected for opening act slots for Rush, Black Sabbath, Triumph, Lighthouse, Sha Na Na, Mahogany Rush, Max Webster / Kim Mitchell, A Foot In Cold Water and the popular 80's comedians Gary and Blair - Maclean and Maclean.
Musical Background:
Along the way, Les studied the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) curriculum in music theory, history, composition, harmony and counterpoint obtaining Level III while working his way to a RCM Grade 8 in Clarinet, Grade 6 in piano and alto saxophone. Also in school, Les had vocal instruction though traditionally taught with emphasis on choral work, there was an added element of folk or popular styles in the courses as well.
Always interested in the creative side of music, song writing and the entertainment industry, Les began to bring in and contribute to original material in his live and touring acts right from the very beginning. Intuitively bringing elements from his wide range of professional musical experience and personal taste in styles to his songwriting and composition work, Les enjoys many hours in his home digital studio working on his original material and song writing. At his level now Les emphasizes his vocal, playing, recording and producing abilities in developing his own personal style in creative writing all his home studio in Ottawa. He also enjoys the many requests received for his participation and contribution particularly in vocals, to other artists' work with his range of abilities. Owing to his depth and experience in music and the creative life Les also brings an unfailing strength and confidence in the "how-to" of working with musicians and performers in live and studio environments with his well-known sense of friendly good humour and insightful working suggestions.
The Real Facts:
For live gigs, Les can double on multiple instruments and, with his strong vocal abilities for harmonies or lead vocal parts if needed, he likes to work out live or in recording contributing keyboards, guitars or/and singing with equal comfort. Les has a very fly blend R&B, Classic and roots rock flavor that both rock n roll and funk players welcome in his participation.
Contact Les:
In Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Les_paulhus@hotmai.com
Come and take a listen to the work from a very versatile and talented Canadian artist and performer - Les Paulhus. A veteran of the Canadian music scene, Les began his professional career in the 60s and 70s playing in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto beginning with various cover acts and eventually as an original music artist. With formal musical training from the Royal Conservatory in piano, saxophone, clarinet and vocals, combined with his guitar and electronic keyboards proficiencies, Les brings his varied skills together through his original compositions and arrangements.
Personal Background:
Born in Vancouver, Les has lived in Ottawa for most of his life with stints in Toronto, off and on.
Starting early, influenced by his older brothers who played in local bands, Les began to play guitar and sing in teen club bands during his public and high school days. From then on it was all bands - all the time, for him and his pals, some of whom have now become well known Canadian performers.
Moving over to keyboards, Les' big break came when his band "Chucklebait" glanded the opening act gig for Alice Cooper's date at the Ottawa Civic Center on his Billion Dollar Baby tour. When asked to choose between two Ottawa acts to open for him, Alice reportedly said: "I'll take the funny band". Though they were not in fact a comedy act, things took off after that and over the ensuing years Les went on to appear in many well know Canadian recording and touring acts such as Flyer, FIST, Butler, Shooter, The Stacey Heydon Band, Telemann, Wrabit and Charlie Major. Peak moments during his time in these bands was their being selected for opening act slots for Rush, Black Sabbath, Triumph, Lighthouse, Sha Na Na, Mahogany Rush, Max Webster / Kim Mitchell, A Foot In Cold Water and the popular 80's comedians Gary and Blair - Maclean and Maclean.
Musical Background:
Along the way, Les studied the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) curriculum in music history, composition, harmony and counterpoint obtaining Level III while working his way to a RCM Grade 8 in Clarinet, Grade 6 in piano and alto saxophone.
Always interested in song writing, Les began to bring in and contribute to original material in his groups right from the very beginning. Currently, Les likes to work on his original material, writing songs, playing, recording and producing them in his home studio in Ottawa.