Dear Mr. Bibbins:

I received your very kind letter through OffBeat, in which you indicate that, although you are quite proficient in your blues-rock approach to guitar heroics, you cannot seem to get arrested in this, your hometown. So I figured the least I could do is respond with an open letter of my own.

These 14 songs—I noticed covers of “Cold Shot” and “Voodoo Chile” among the originals—are extremely well put together, considering you created them yourself with “fake” drums and your own skills on vocals, bass, and guitar. You definitely owe a debt to Hendrix, and I can hear exactly what you mean about your simultaneous lead-and-rhythm technique and how it resembles that of the legendary guitarist. The exciting thing I find here, however, is that your songwriting style seems to be influenced by Jimi, as well: the title track in particular contains the kind of metaphysical musings no one but Prince has picked up on yet in distilling Hendrix’ legacy. Even better, you sound as if you’re trying to use his style as a basis for your own, not simply ape it. I especially liked the touches of R&B that creep into the dark “Insight” and the jazzy, almost chaotic method of your playing on “Angel Blue.” I have no doubt you’ve got something to say.

So much for the first section of the CD entitled “Electric Sizzle.” As for the second, “Acoustic Cool” portion, that may make an even better case for your strengths as a songwriter and performer, because it’s easier for folks to get past the obvious influences and to the real Paul. My advice, should you want it, is as follows: get a drummer and a bassist, forget about the covers, and head straight into original power-trio blues-rock. (You may even want to bring out the more R&B elements of your style so as to better define yourself.) You’ll certainly be able to get some local gigs—those solos on “Eagle’s World Blues” cannot be denied—and maybe go further than that as you develop. Your songwriting is solid, and while your guitar skills outpace your vocal talents… well, they said the same thing about Jimi. No reason you can’t aspire to similar heights.

—Sincerely, Robert Fontenot