Paul Weeden

Paul Weeden (b. Indianapolis, January 7, 1923 - d. July 2, 2011) – Guitarist. Born two years before neighborhood friend Wes Montgomery, Paul Weeden got his start in Indianapolis playing on Indiana Avenue. He and Montgomery had a close relationship and developed the same smooth thumb technique. Like Montgomery, Weeden led his own combos, but he also he recorded prolifically as a sidemen to such stars as Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis. In 1966, he took his group to Sweden and settled there before moving on to Norway, his current home of over twenty years. His playing credits are extensive, as he has appeared at jazz festivals in over twelve countries. In addition, he had the distinction of being Freddie Green’s replacement as the guitarist in Count Basie’s band in 1987.