And the Band (Paul Thorn's) Played on ...CONAN

Paul Thorn is an extraordinary musician whose following is growing daily. Listening to his music is engaging because his songs tell a story that compels us to tap our toes and dance in our chairs (or on the dance floor). I had the good fortune to hear the band play last summer an open concert at San Francisco's Stern Grove when they opened for home town favorite, Huey Lewis. I was there for a specific reason: the superb drummer, Jeffery Perkins, is my cousin. But I was smitten with the songs, the music and the commentary from Paul Thorn who is a Southern Charmer from Tupaloo although I am a Motown, salsa, hip-hop fan.

Watching them play on Conan O'Brien provided significant visible lessons. They were having FUN! You could see they loved making music together and were a team in the truest sense of the word. They didn't need a team building coach... they are a band, a team of notes.

I just saw them play at Rancho Nicasio and chatted with the keyboardist who explained to me why they look so happy when they play, "We really love working together!" How's that for a concept??? If you like working with the team...the results are visible and, in this case, audible.

They drive thousands of miles, rehearse for hours and perform across the country for many different types of audiences. They deal with broken strings, bad or great sound systems and all the exigencies that musicians encounter but it's all do-able because they LIKE working together and all are super-committed to their craft and their music and each other. Team building experts: take heed. The Paul Thorn Band is the team to emulate.

Tune in to Jimmy Kimmel on April 22nd (ABC) after Nightline or see The Paul Thorn Band when they come to your town.