Paul Allen is very busy these days. The drummer began last year touring with first-season American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini and winner Kelly Clarkson, who went on to become one of the biggest stars of the year. When he first heard of the Clarkson gig, Paul was committed to other projects including R&B artist Javier. As Paul puts it now, “So the juggling began.”

Paul has performed on just about every major TV show around the world with Clarkson, making him one of the most visible contemporary drummers on the scene. Clearly he’s not shy for the camera, because Paul also just finished up a promo DVD, Heart’s On Fire, featuring an old-school/new-school funk mix from the band Big Advice. Leading the group is drummer/vocalist Ahaguna Sun, who steps out front for the project. The project also features percussion great Lenny Castro. “Playing with Lenny was amazing,” Paul gushes. “He’s as accurate as a click track but with tons of feel. Whether Lenny was playing congas, bongos, tambourine, or just some small hand percussion, he’d really make you feel it.”

Beyond making a name for himself as a touring drummer, Paul has been recording with his own band Hesby Street. He’s also on Gospel great Andra’ Crouch’s recent live CD. “And I’m on a TV commercial for Monster.com,” Paul adds. “I recorded the music for it, and then they asked me to be in the commercial. That was pretty cool.” Other projects include co-writing a few tunes with the band 4th Avenue Jones. Advertisement