Kevin Paul – Big Blue Sky (Single Review)

A wordless cinematic journey by an influential KP

If the name Kevin Paul or the abbreviation KP doesn’t ring a bell, let me quickly introduce you to him. Kevin Paul was born and raised in Chicago and left his home as a teenager to pursue his passion for music. In the Chitlin’ Circuit in the ’70s, he developed a knack for playing within the polyrhythms that formed the basis for many of the grooves in popular funk music of the era.

Throughout his career, he has worked with a bunch of incredible artists, both from the States and across Europe. In 1999, he formed StikMen, who were eventually selected as a top 20 Indie Artist in the US in 2000.

As of now, the artist regularly performs at premier venues and festivals around the Midwest with the show band Generation. He actively participates and showcases a vibrant performance.

In the last few years, he has released a big series of EPs and tracks in general. Some of them were even mastered and mixed by the legendary producer Stuart Epps. Recently, on Valentine’s Day 2025, he dropped Greatest Clicks, which included 17 songs. However, in this review, we will take a look at the single track from the EP Blues, Ballads & Burners.

So, without further introduction, let’s take a look at Kevin Paul’s art:

“Big Blue Sky” is a track that, from the very first seconds, showcases the experience and passion behind the music. The initial notes of the guitar riff, which sound both dramatic and hefty yet hopeful, demonstrate how effectively KP can evoke deep emotion.

While the track doesn’t necessarily feature any vocals, the main instrumental—the electric guitar—swings from dynamic bursts to more slow-paced, contemplative moments. The track feels extremely crescendo-driven, particularly at the start when the drums begin to pick up, amplifying its steady nature.

I also, quite frankly, appreciate how the drums are utilized throughout the track to bolster its epic and textural feel. They certainly do not take on the role of the main instrument like the guitar does, which intentionally feels overpowering, providing weight. The drums, on the other hand, play a steady yet explosive and punchy role, offering a moment for orchestrated elegance to develop and adding another layer of monumental charm.

“Big Blue Sky” also feels hypnotic and psychedelic to an extent. The track’s sequence slightly reminds you of something you might hear on The Final Cut by Pink Floyd, combining a heavy sound with a sense of resolution. This resolution is evident in the outro, which feels both content and powerful.

I feel strongly about this track. It represents a powerful, wordless, yet vibrant and saturated journey that takes you from one emotional and sonic space to another.

Score/Excellent: “Big Blue Sky” and KP showcase what years of musical experience should sound like. The ease with which the artist evokes emotion is simply impressive. The track demonstrates a level of professionalism that is both artistic and striking.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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