fbpx Skip to main content
Howard Paul smiles in Savannah

Howard Paul is a man of many talents. A gifted musician and business leader, he has for years maintained dual careers in music and business.

As an officer in the US Army (1986-1995) and executive for Chatham Steel (1996-2006), he has shown a tremendous capacity in operations, logistics, and strategic planning. Musically, he has led his own trio and quartet, working regularly with legends including Bucky Pizzarelli, Tom Scott, and Bob James.

Close up Howard Paul playing Benedetto guitar

A recurring performer in Savannah’s annual jazz and music festivals, he hosted the house band at well-respected The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head for many years. His association with Bob Benedetto began in 1996 when he ordered his first custom guitar. In 1999, he began co-producing, with Cindy Benedetto, the Benedetto Players in Concert Series.

In April, 2006, Howard was named President/CEO of Benedetto Guitars in Savannah, GA. With continued production of acclaimed models including the Manhattan, he helped Bob expand the line to include more affordable professional instruments. He contributes to both the business and cultural communities where he’s served on the board of directors of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, as a 2000 Leadership Savannah graduate, as Festival Chair and President of the board of directors Savannah Jazz/Coastal Jazz Association for a combined twelve years, and through contributions to a multitude of Savannah’s cultural,  charitable and educational organizations.

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, in 1960, he cut his teeth in the music-rich Atlantic City, New Jersey area (where the family moved in 1962). At age four, he received his first guitar, began lessons at age six with jazz guitarist Johnny Martezia and by 13 was performing professionally. A 1984 graduate of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro (with a degree in Political Science), he enlisted in the Army in 1986, rising to the rank of Major while on active duty and receiving numerous military career awards. During his tenure, which included assignments to Desert Storm and Restore Hope (Somalia), he continued performing around the world whenever the opportunity allowed.

Howard Paul as a child holding a guitar
Robert Benedetto and Howard Paul stand amongst many Benedetto Guitars

His decades of music credits include work at Caesar’s Atlantic City Casino, The Juilliard School, the U.S. Army Band-Europe, the Savannah Symphony Pops Orchestra and the Coastal Jazz All Stars. As a 7-string Benedetto guitarist since 1998, he has frequently appeared at venues including The Blue Note, The Smithsonian Institution’s Jazz Café, The Jazz Corner, The Blue Wisp, Manchester Craftsmen Guild, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Iridium Lounge, Napa Valley Jazz Society, and The Jazz Kitchen. He’s shared the stage with  Bucky Pizzarelli, Bob James, Ali Ryerson, Tom Scott, Tony Monaco, John Lee, Mark Egan, Laurence Hobgood, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Whalum,  and many others. He’s currently performing regularly with drummers Ulysses Owens Jr and Karl Latham. Howard’s most recent CDs include: Tony Monaco/Howard Paul – New Adventures; Bob James/Howard Paul: Just Friends; Jody Espina/Howard Paul – The Presidents; Aly Ryerson’s Jammin’ at the Jazz Corner.

He is married to Patricia, an attorney and semi-professional clarinetist. Their son is attending law school after two years of Teach for America, and is namesake of the Andy Model travel guitar.

“I have spent my entire adult life burning the candle at both ends while pursuing simultaneous careers in jazz guitar and business. Joining forces with Bob Benedetto combines everything I love.”

Howard Paul

Close up Howard Paul playing a Benedetto Guitar
Shopping cart
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping