Paul Diedrich has been working the Wisconsin music scene as a solo artist and in various bands for 20 years. His debut album, “One More Dollar For The Guitar Man” is a great expression of his many influences. With twelve original songs, he blends the elements of rock, blue grass, folk and country into his own unique sound and place in the musical landscape. Asked about his influences, Paul explains, “It is much more about the song-writing than any particular genre. I am drawn to the great song writers and story tellers. My influences include Guy Clark, Jackson Browne, Townes Van Zant, Mark Knoffler, and Willie Nelson. These guys don’t just write music, they know how to craft a great song.” When you listen to this album you can definitely hear these influences on such songs as “Good To See You Smile” where Paul writes “Close your eyes and see what tomorrow brings. Trade in your should-have-been on better things.” Also, in “I Wish I Was A Cowboy” he writes “and dreams don’t all come true I know, sometimes its best to let ‘em go”. Such poignant lyrics are the corner stone of every song on this album. In “The Captain And Me” Paul tells his own version of the traditional outlaw story. Through three versus he draws the listener into the story of two best friends who find themselves with their backs against the wall like so many times before. Only this time, there is only one friend left to tell the story.While song writing is the hallmark of this album, Paul Diedrich understands the value of a good hook in music. This album is filled with catchy guitar riffs and tight harmonies. Speaking about the guitar work, Paul explains his main influence in short order. “My favorite guitar player is Mark Knoffler, from Dire Straits. When Mark Knoffler plays guitar, it is as if every note is an integral part of the song. Nothing is wasted and nothing is overdone. I try to approach my guitar playing in the same way”. So take a listen to some really cool songs. There is something for everyone in “One More Dollar For The Guitar Man”. From the country flavored ballads with violin and Dobro to soaring guitars in songs like “The Life You Left Behind You”, Diedrich weaves in his many influences while the common theme is a focus on great song writing.You can also see and hear Paul performing with his current band Acoustic Graffiti. They are an acoustic duo that performs around central Wisconsin delivering a combination of classic rock covers and originals blended with tight harmonies. Meanwhile, Paul is already working on new songs for his next album. Until then ….