The L.A. Rhythm Kings - Paul Ballersteros

"The Guitar Chameleon" can play almost any style of music. "Carlos Santana's Guitar Double" emulates the soul and passion filled sound one of his boyhood guitar heros. No matter what name you know him by, Paul's infectious playing style and ability to adapt to any musical format has made him one of the most requested guitarist on the Los Angeles music scene.

The first instrument Paul played was not the guitar, it was the trombone. He played it in his Elementary and Jr. High School orchestra while in the 5th, 6th and 7th grade. It wasn't until the age of 12, that he discovered the guiar and all the wondeful sounds and emotions he could create with it.

Paul eventually dedicated himself to the guitar and began playing with local bands like Thee Flurtations, The Righteous Rhythms, Thee Midniters, Cold Duck, Sangria, Sabor, Calderon, The L.A. All-Stars, Woodside Rock and his own groups Aja, and The Rhythm Kings.

Paul’s musical influences include…Maurice White, Quincy Jones, Larry Carlton, Mongo Snatamaria, Cannonball Adderley, George Benson, Bob James, Stanley Turentine, Willie Bobo, Joe Cuba, Harvey Mason, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, and of course Carlos Santana. His favorite groups include Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Fred Westly & the JB’s, Cream, The Beatles, Chicago, Seawind, Tavares, The Whispers and almost all the early Motown groups and artists.

Paul has recorded with or played behind such international artists as: The Coasters, Brenton Wood, Al Wilson, Julin Aikens, Mitch Ryder (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Little Rosie, Merrilee Rush, Bloodstone, Donny Brooks, Cannibal and the Headhunters, Ron Dante (The Archies), Dicky Lee, Pat Upton (Spiral Staircase), Eddie Daniels and has shared he stage with The Four Tops, Rare Earth, The Lovin Spoonful, Johnny Otis, Lakeside, The Gap Band, Tierra, The Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Ensemble and Otis Day & The Nights.

Paul also has spent most of the 80’s as a studio musician recording on hundreds of artist demos and advertising jingles for mega corporations such as Carl’s Jr., Avon Cosmetics, Bimbo Bread International, K-EARTH 101, Jack In The Box Corporation. His smooth and funky guitar chops were heard on radio and TV in the USA, Mexico and Europe.

Paul resides in Dana Point, California, a quiet seaside community. He enjoys the local beaches, traveling with his friends and family, and the art community in nearby Laguna Beach.