Tall Paul & the Naughty Cats have become one of the most recognizable and beloved blues acts in the Madison region, known for their high-energy performances, warm rapport with audiences, and a sound that blends classic blues traditions with modern flair.
Led by guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Tall Paul, the group has built a reputation for delivering shows that feel both deeply rooted in blues history and refreshingly spontaneous. Their presence at festivals, clubs, and community events has made them a cornerstone of the local blues scene.
Performances
Tall Paul and the Naughty Cats are known for dynamic live shows, including brunch performances and smaller gigs. For example, the Naughty Cats Trio plays Sunday brunch at Oakstone Recreational in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, offering a relaxed, harp-driven blues experience with a mix of jazz and acoustic originals. These performances are designed to complement the setting, providing music that enhances rather than overwhelms the atmosphere HappeningNext.com+1.
Tall Paul and the Naughty Cats are a versatile and engaging band, offering a mix of blues, funk, and Latin grooves with both full-band and intimate trio performances. Their shows are ideal for music lovers seeking live, soulful, and interactive performances in Madison and surrounding areas thenaughtycats.com+2.
Tall Paul’s Musical Beginnings
Tall Paul’s musical journey began long before the formation of the Naughty Cats. Tall Paul began learning harmonica during his first year of Physician Assistant school at UW–Madison. Cats. Growing up with a deep appreciation for American roots music, he gravitated toward blues guitar as a teenager, drawn to the emotional honesty and expressive power of the genre. His early influences included Chicago blues icons, Texas blues stylists, and the soulful phrasing of R&B guitarists. Over time, he developed a playing style that balances technical precision with a relaxed, conversational feel — a hallmark of his performances today.
Before forming the Naughty Cats, Paul played in several regional groups, honing his stagecraft and building connections across Wisconsin’s vibrant music community. Tall Paul was actively performing with Madison-area blues musicians throughout the late 1990s. Around 1999–2000, Paul regularly played in Chicago’s Rosa’s Lounge until October 2000, when Little Mack Simmons passed away. These formative years shaped his identity as a performer: approachable, good‑humored, and always ready to bring audiences along for the ride.
Formation of the Naughty Cats
The Naughty Cats emerged around 2007, after Tall Paul produced his last listed solo album (“Voodoo Doll”). The band was a natural extension of Paul’s musical vision. The band’s core identity is consistently a tight, groove‑driven ensemble capable of shifting seamlessly from slow, smoldering blues to upbeat, dance‑friendly numbers. The band’s chemistry onstage is unmistakable; audiences often remark on the band’s ability to make even large venues feel intimate. The group’s name — playful, memorable, and unmistakably fun — reflects their approach to performance. A Naughty Cats show is never just a concert; it’s an experience shaped by humor, spontaneity, and genuine connection with the crowd.
Rise in the Madison Blues Community
Tall Paul & the Naughty Cats quickly became favorites among Madison-area blues fans. By the 2010’s the band’s appearances at local clubs, community festivals, and blues society events helped cement their reputation as reliable crowd‑pleasers. Their ability to engage listeners of all ages has made them a go‑to act for venues seeking both musical excellence and an inviting atmosphere. Their collaborations with other regional musicians, including guest appearances and shared festival bills, have further expanded their influence. Tall Paul’s generosity as a performer — often inviting fellow musicians to join him onstage — reflects his commitment to keeping the blues community vibrant and interconnected.
Musical Style & Influence
Tall Paul’s guitar work blends traditional blues phrasing with modern rhythmic sensibilities. His tone is warm and expressive, often punctuated by playful bends, crisp staccato lines, and melodic improvisation. Vocally, he brings a relaxed, conversational delivery that makes audiences feel like they’re part of the story. The Naughty Cats provide a dynamic foundation for Paul’s playing. Their rhythm section is known for its steady, infectious groove, while the band’s instrumental interplay gives each performance a sense of freshness. Together, they draw inspiration from Chicago blues, jump blues, classic rock, and soul — weaving these influences into a sound that feels both familiar and uniquely their own.
The band blends blues, funk, and Latin rhythms, performing both original compositions and covers. Their repertoire includes songs inspired by artists such as William Clarke, Little Walter, Big Walter, Santana, Tom Waits, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, Billy Boy Arnold, George Harmonica Smith, Magic Slim, Gary Primich, and RJ Mischo. Their music is characterized by harp-driven blues, jazz elements, and acoustic-feeling arrangements that adapt to the energy of the venue thenaughtycats.com+1.
Live Performances
A Tall Paul & the Naughty Cats show is defined by energy, humor, and connection. Paul’s easygoing stage presence invites audiences to relax, laugh, and enjoy the moment. The band’s setlists often mix blues standards with original material and inventive reinterpretations, ensuring that no two performances are exactly alike. Their ability to read a room — whether a packed festival stage or a cozy club — allows them to tailor each show to the audience’s mood. This adaptability has become one of their trademarks and is a key reason fans return.
Community Impact & Legacy
Beyond their musical contributions, Tall Paul & the Naughty Cats have played an important role in sustaining and enriching the Madison blues community. Their willingness to participate in benefit concerts, educational events, and blues society initiatives demonstrates a commitment to keeping the blues alive for future generations. Tall Paul’s mentorship of younger musicians, both formally and informally, has helped cultivate new talent in the region. His encouragement and openness reflect the spirit of the blues tradition — one built on shared experience, mutual support, and the joy of making music together.
Tall Paul & the Naughty Cats Matter
Tall Paul & the Naughty Cats embody the heart of local blues: authenticity, community, and a deep love for the music. Their performances celebrate the genre’s history while keeping it fresh and accessible. For longtime blues fans and newcomers alike, the band offers an experience that is joyful, engaging, and unmistakably Madison.
Learn More
https://www.facebook.com/tallpaulblues/
The Band’s Website: Band Members‘s
The Band at Madison Makes Music
- Madison Blues Society Artist Directory https://madisonbluessociety.org/todays-blues-greats
- Blues Foundation https://blues.org
- Wisconsin Music Ventures https://wisconsinmusicventures.com