Friday Night Live: Paul Casey

For decades, the self-effacing musician has worked tirelessly at his craft. The quintessential musician’s musician, over the years Casey has earnestly composed and arranged, played and recorded, mixed and produced.

Paul Casey was born at a moment in Northern Irish life that shaped him unmistakably. His father’s blues records were also a huge influence. The shy teenager blagged his way backstage at a Chris Rea gig in Belfast to talk to his guitar hero. Rea advised the young novice, who took everything on board. Three years later Casey gave Rea a demo tape. He was impressed, and invited Paul to London. Thus began years of recording and touring together, and a friendship that endures to this day.