Paul Hickey’s songs are punchy, intelligent, melodically appealing… among his many fine attributes is his uncanny ability to fashion a familiar phrase into an original line”Colm O’ Hare - Hot Press Paul Hickey began his musical life as a young boy in Marino where at school he played the tea chest bass. Its a simple instrument that when plucked creates an deep bass sound. Paul embarked on his musical trip in good company, as another member of this childhood group was Brendan Gleeson, the renowned actor. In the early ‘70s Paul formed the Jazz Rock band Chessnut. Following an introduction to a young Jim Sheridan the band was recruited to perform the music for his rock opera ‘One Bad Apple’ in Trinity. Around this time Paul joined the Civil Service and the first thing he did was buy his beloved Fender guitar. Paul formed The Alsatians in the late 70’s which was a 7 piece band featuring a brass section. They did their first recording for the Libra label in 1978 and from that came their most well known song ‘5 Honours and A 175’. On the RTE playlist for 2 months the track featured on several television programs and the film ‘Inner City Looking On’. The group disbanded in 1986 following several successful years gigging the major venues at the time including McGonagles, The TV Club, Liberty Hall and Corks City Hall and a stand out performance on the same bill as U2, Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy, Paul Brady and Clannad in Punchestown. Paul is now studying music in BIMM Dublin. The album Coolhouse was made in Cois Tine Studio Athy. Frankie Lane produced and played guitar, Dobro, steel guitar and other instruments. The album also features Paul Kelly (fiddle and banjo), Tom Courtney (drums) and Sue and Lou from the vocal band 'Choral Sex' on backing vocals. Paul has recently had songs recorded by Karen Deneiffe (Road Wives) and Ryan Hennessey (Picture This) and is in the process of recording a new album featuring Karen Deneiffe