My Musical journey so far.

Paul Burke is an Australian-born guitarist based in Brighton on England’s South Coast, whose playing bridges the worlds of rock, funk, jazz and heavier music with equal conviction. Whether it’s the raw energy of a hard rock stage or the deep groove of a swinging jazz trio, his approach is rooted in feel, versatility and a lifelong dedication to the guitar.

Originally from the regional city of Ballarat, Victoria, Paul studied an Advanced Diploma of Music before completing a Bachelor of Music at Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly NMIT), where he studied under respected guitarist Tom Fryer. While his formal training developed a broad technical foundation, it was the music of Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and Kenny Burrell that left the deepest mark on his musical identity. Green’s blues-soaked phrasing, infectious groove and bebop vocabulary remain a constant influence, shaping Paul’s love of soulful, groove-driven jazz of the 1950s and ’60s.

Before relocating to Brighton in early 2025, Paul worked full-time as an instrumental guitar teacher with Victoria’s Department of Education through the Bendigo Instrumental Music Program. Teaching across four secondary schools, he delivered specialist guitar tuition, directed ensembles and workshops while helping to develop the next generation of musicians through both classroom and performance-based education.

Away from the classroom, Paul built a reputation as a dependable live guitarist across Australia’s touring circuit. He toured nationally with Melbourne hard rock acts Ash Acid and Marz, delivering high-energy performances while maintaining an active career in original music. Alongside touring, he has been heavily involved in community music theatre and has established himself as a respected guitar transcriptionist. His YouTube channel, Paul Burke Guitar, has grown to more than 4,000 subscribers through its collection of jazz and contemporary guitar transcriptions, gear reviews, improvisation lessons and educational content.

Alongside his rock work, Paul has consistently led and performed with funk and groove-oriented jazz projects, exploring the intersection of blues, soul and modern improvisation. Now based in Brighton, he continues that journey with his own trio, featuring Lloyd Cote on upright bass and Al Banerjee on drums, blending deep grooves with a modern take on the classic organ trio tradition.

Recent highlights include the sold-out Brighton concert A Tribute to Grant Green, where Paul joined forces with acclaimed guitarists Jason Henson and Lionel Phillip to celebrate the music of one of his greatest influences.

Today, Paul performs throughout the South East of England as a freelance guitarist while continuing to develop original jazz projects, educational content and collaborations that reflect his passion for groove, improvisation and stylistic versatility.