Shortino is renowned for a quite different—but related—performance. Following inclusion on an album compilation of L.A.’s hottest unsigned bands, and concerts across the U.S. and in Europe and Japan, Rough Cutt was signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1984. Comprised of Shortino on vocals, Amir Derakh & Chris Hager on guitar, David Alford on drums, and Matt Thorne on bass, their self-titled debut was released the following year. Produced by Tom Allom (Judas Priest, Def Leppard, The Strawbs), “Rough Cutt” exploded with the band’s hook-heavy, blues-inflected metal roar—lead by Shortino’s potent vocals.
“Wants You!” followed in ’86, produced by the legendary Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, etc.). Less metal-skewed and more a straight-ahead hard rock onslaught—in the vein of contemporaries Motley Crue and Bon Jovi—Rough Cutt’s second outing again drew raves from rock fans). They also spent many months traversing the U.S. and circling the globe on major arena tours, including Dio’s 1986 “Sacred Heart” jaunt, one of the highest grossing of the era.
It was during a Rough Cutt tour of Japan that Paul made the decision to part ways with the band because of internal differences about the musical direction. Quiet Riot happened to be touring Japan at the same time, and had recently let go their longtime vocalist, Kevin DuBrow. Rough Cutt’s then-manager Wendy Dio introduced Shortino to Quiet Riot, and engineered a deal for him to step in as their new lead singer.
In 1989, just after Quiet Riot, Paul recorded sessions for a blues-heavy rock project under the name BADD BOYZ, also featuring bassist Sean McNabb (Great White, Quiet Riot), and guitar ace Mitch Perry, released in 1994. Recorded later, but out prior to it—in ’93—was “Back On Track”, Paul’s first collaboration with guitarist JK Northrup. Still in sync after all these years, the duo’s second joint venture is 2004’s “Afterlife”.
With his own band - who toured extensively in Europe throughout the ‘90s - Shortino released 1997’s “It’s About Time” and the 1999 live CD “Booked, Toured…Released!”. Then, with longtime friend J.T. Garrett, Shortino pooled their talents for the blues-rock album “Stand Or Fall”, by Paul Shortino & The Rhythm Junkies, released in 1999.
Completely on his own terms, Shortino devoted his heart and soul to the recording of “Sacred Place”, a spiritually-infused hard rock manifesto. Shortino originally envisioned this project as a potential Rough Cutt reunion, which never came to be. What did materialize was a set that Shortino believes is his finest work to date, released in 2002 as Paul Shortino’s The CUTT, “Sacred Place” and the hit rocker “Freedom,”.
Shortino’s newest collaboration is an album with world reknown producer Michael Voss (Casanova, Silver). Shortino adds, “The new tracks are amazing. I have a renewed inspiration to write and record music that comes from within. I am looking forward to touring and performing the new material for all the fans. We have a smokin’ hot band that can really deliver and put on a show. Quite honestly, I can’t wait.”