Pavlo

For being all instrumental, Pavlo’s Mediterranean music speaks for itself. When Pavlo was ten, he spent hours hidden away practicing his guitar. Pavlo’s parents realized very soon that his connection to the instrument was undeniable. Instead of discouraging him, Pavlo’s father told him, “Have the courage to do what you love, and the drive to do it well.” After years of guitar lessons, from classical to flamenco, Pavlo spent his early years playing in rock groups, and wedding bands. When they separated, Pavlo moved on, and discovered his own distinct sound that he termed, “Mediterranean”. It was the first time he felt as though his guitar was speaking from his soul. Pavlo was inspired to write his first self-titled album. Although there were many people that told him it was a “fantasy” to think he would find success, he followed his heart and sent the album to music executives all over the country. When they responded with “It is too ethnic” and denied Pavlo a record deal because “there was no market for this type of music.” Pavlo became driven to create his own record label, and market himself. Soon, through craft shows; café gigs and festival performances all over the country playing his Mediterranean music, Pavlo did, in fact, find his audience. They were equally as passionate about his music…and they wanted more of it. Investing all that he had at that time, Pavlo released his second album, Fantasia. Fantasia climbed the charts and made it to the Billboard Top 10 and earned Pavlo his first Juno Nomination. Pavlo started to tour across the country, and when critics said this trend would die out, Pavlo received a call to perform for His Royal Highness, Prince Charles. Pavlo went on to release several albums and performed in soft seat theatres across Canada. When he was told that he was not ready to perform in Canada’s most prestigious theatre, the legendary Massey Hall, Pavlo booked the 2700 seat theatre anyway. Pavlo sold it out…TWICE. Canadian Folk legend, Gordon Lightfoot was in the audience. Pavlo was told that the USA would not be as accepting of his Mediterranean music. In 2008, Pavlo completed an 80 city tour across the USA….he did it within 3 months. Pavlo was told it would be difficult to overcome language barriers and cultural differences to consider a fan base overseas. Today, Pavlo’s music is being played in cafes all over China and he annually tours throughout Europe and sells out concert halls in South Korea. Pavlo had ambitions of performing in front of a television viewing audience. Just when everyone told him it would be impossible, Pavlo received a call from 15-time Emmy award-winning director, George Veras (famous for Yanni’s Live at the Acropolis). George loved Pavlo’s Mediterranean style, and he directed the one hour concert special made for television, entitled, “Pavlo: Mediterranean Nights”. It was aired internationally on PBS. “Pavlo: Mediterranean Nights” was also picked up by networks, Bravo and CBC Bold. It is still being aired nationally today. After being inspired by the famous guitar trio project of Paco De Lucia; Al DiMeola; and John McLaughlin, Pavlo wanted to create a Canadian Guitar Trio. When many thought it would be too difficult to collaborate with other musicians that were famous within their own genres, Pavlo called on legendary guitarists, Oscar Lopez, and Hall of Famer, Rik Emmett (of Rock band, Triumph). The trio released their album, “Trifecta” and executed a national sold out tour. They made headlines and the album earned Pavlo a 2nd Juno nomination. Pavlo has come full circle with the release of his 9th album, “Six String Blvd” as it is once again, an all-instrumental offering. “Six String Blvd” celebrates Pavlo’s ongoing ability to pave his own way, and he feels it is some of the best music he has ever written.