Welcome to the Official Site of David Paton!

The name David Paton doesn't conjure up images of Grammys, glitz, or gyrating hips. His face may never have appeared on the cover of the Rolling Stone and he hasn't headlined the half-time show at the Super Bowl. Yet, David has left an indelible mark on the Rock and Pop world. Clearly one of the most respected, underrated, and versatile musicians in the business, David Paton has been writing, singing, and playing great music for over a quarter of a century.

Early on in his music career, David's talent as a songwriter was quite evident. His catchy pop tunes Magic and January propelled his band to the top of the charts. There were few bands soaring as high as PILOT in 1975. Unfortunately, some crew changes, poor management, and the demand for the individual members as session players ultimately led to the band's grounding in 1977. But a legacy of hit singles, 2 charismatic tours, and 4 remarkable albums proved PILOT wasn't just some fly by night teenybopper band. The band took its music seriously and it showed.

As a singer, David is equally as impressive. The appealing melodies and distinctive harmonies he displayed with PILOT complimented each other and commanded your complete attention. As David moved on to other bands such as THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT and CAMEL, his vocals continued to captivate the ear. While most people are familiar with his Project vocals, some of his more obscure vocal work is worth noting. His vocals on "Heroes" from CAMEL's 1982 album Single Factor are simply mesmerising. Once they get in your head, the haunting melodies may never leave. His vocals on his own traditional Scottish albums bring out the best of his versatility and ability to write in a particular style and arrange pieces of music by the likes of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.

As a player, whether in the studio or on the stage, David is up there with the best. His bass licks on ELTON JOHN's tunes such as Nikita and live performances with Elton were simply brilliant. His classical guitar work with RICK WAKEMAN is equally as memorable. The list of artists he has worked with is long and diverse ranging from the Hard Rock of JIMMY PAGE, to the Progressive Rock of FISH, to the traditional Scottish tunes of such artists as PHIL CUNNINGHAM and DICK GAUGHAN.

When one sees David play live, you really see what he is all about; straight forward, no nonsense, passionate music! David is too modest about his accomplishments and the last person inclined to herald The Alan Parsons Project anthem of "Let's Talk About Me". So if you want to know more about his accomplishments and current work, click away and experience the MAGIC of
DAVID PATON!

Magic – The David Paton Story – Paperback

When I discovered The Beatles at the age of fourteen, I had no idea that one day I’d work with Paul McCartney in Studio two at Abbey Road; or that I’d write a number one worldwide hit; or that I’d spend three years touring the world and recording as bass player with Elton John, including playing in his band at Live Aid. These achievements were well beyond my imagination – yet I did them. Making music is a joy and a privilege, but my career as a musician has made it possible for me to meet and work with some of the world-famous artists that I idolised.

I am the singer, songwriter and bass player with the group Pilot. I wrote the worldwide hits ‘Magic’, ‘January’ and ‘Just a Smile’. I was a member of The Alan Parsons Project for ten years. I have done session work with The Pretenders, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Chris De Burgh, Chris Rea and Jimmy Page, to name but a few.

This book gives an insight into the life of a successful songwriter and session musician. I have a lot to say, but as well as telling my story, I also offer a valuable insight into what to do – and what not to do – should the reader be interested in pursuing a career in music.

David Paton first gained recognition as the lead singer and writer of the group Pilot, writing their hit songs including ‘Magic’ and number one ‘January’ in the mid-1970s. He then went on to collaborate with various major artists such as Kate Bush, The Alan Parsons Project, Elton John and Paul McCartney.

He has always had a genuine passion for writing, playing, and producing all types of music, with an emphasis on collaborating with other musicians. Still active in music, he lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.


Pilot – The Magic Collection – CD

Because of lockdown, I’ve spent most of my days in the studio recording and experimenting with ideas. This is where the recordings for The Magic Collection began.

It has been a very productive time for me, I felt very at home with the Pilot songs and spent a lot of time listening to the albums and picking out my favourites.

I’m really delighted with the end result and I believe that the music has adapted well to a more modern approach. Pilot music does have a timeless quality to it so reworking the songs has been a very enjoyable task.

I hope Pilot fans are happy with the new interpretations. Thank you all for your continued support.

David

 


July 4, 2021

New Pilot EP



We are pleased to announce the digital release of the new Pilot Magic EP featuring new versions of Magic, Just a Smile, and Over the Moon. The EP can be purchased at digital download sites worldwide. Below are links for Amazon sites that have the EP up today. More will follow. In conjunction with the release, we have prepared a video with a preview that you can see by clicking the YouTube button below.



July 4, 2021

New Sadie Paton Single



We are pleased to announce the digital release of the new Sadie Paton single Love Song featuring David Paton. For those fans who own David's 2020 album, you will notice that this single version is somewhat different that the version on 2020. There are new vocals and some other changes you might notice. The single can be purchased at digital download sites worldwide. Below are links for Amazon sites that have it up today. We will add more links once the various Amazon sites in each country add the single.

   

May 21, 2021

New David Paton Single



We are pleased to announce the digital release of the new David Paton single communication. The single can be purchased at digital download sites worldwide. Click the youtube button to see a video preview of the song. Also, below are links for Amazon sites. The song This song evolved from a conversation about the restrictions on travel, and using your imagination to take you miles away. Also, check out a youtube link rds (Covid Thoughts). In conjunction with the release, we have prepared a video with some help from our friends, family, and fans. You can check out the video on David's YouTube channell by clicking the button below.






May 5, 2021

New Sadie Paton Single



We are pleased to announce the digital release of the new Sadie Paton single 1000 Kisses written by Leonard Cohen with music and producation by David Paton. The single can be purchased at digital download sites worldwide. The song will blow you away and showcases Sadie's vocals. You can feel the lyrics come alive. Below are links for Amazon sites that have it up today. More will follow single In conjunction with the release, we have prepared a video preview that you can check out on David's YouTube channel by clickig the YouTuve button below.




   

February 26, 2021

New David Paton Single

We are pleased to announce the release of David's new single No Words (Covid Thoughts). In conjunction with the release, we have prepared a video with some help from our friends, family, and fans. You can check out the video on David's YouTube channell by clicking the button below. We hope you enjoy it!

David wrote No Words during the lock down. the song reflects the mood and devastating impact the pandemic has had on the planet and its people. Now that the vaccine is being produced and distributed, we have hope and can see a way forward.

2019 brought us the long anticipated release of the new album by David Paton of PILOT and THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT fame. The Traveller: Another Pilot Project is David’s follow-up to 2014’s A PILOT PROJECT. The album showcases David as a singer, musician, and producer, as David reimagines 11 classic tunes from THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT. Not only does the album feature David’s great vocals and bass, it also highlights his musicianship as he plays guitar and all other instruments. The album includes a dazzling duet by David and his daughter Sadie on Some Other Time. Sadie’s stunning vocals can also be heard on If I Could Change Your Mind, which also features Dave Stewart on drums. The Cask of Amontillado is a special treat as it features a new guitar solo by Dave Bainbridge (Life Signs, Strawbs, and Iona).

The Another Pilot Project album is available as a limited edition CD digipak at David Paton Songs, as well as being available for download at all major sites throughout the world.


Another Pilot Project CD

February 7, 2021 Check out Part 2 of the new David Paton podcast a

February 7, 2021 Check out Part 2 of the new David Paton podcast available exclusively at The Strange Brew. In Part 2 David concludes his time in The Alan Parsons Project and recalls recording with Keats, Camel, Elton John, Rick Wakeman and The Pretenders. It also moves into David’s solo years and hear songs from his new album 2020. Click button below


January 31, 2021. Check out part 1 of the new David Paton podcast available exclusively at The Strange Brew. Click button below to hear tracks and David discusses his years in Pilot, The Alan Parsons Project and recordings with Paul McCartney and Kate Bush. You can also hear highlights from his excellent new album 2020.

New David Paton Podcast

November 20, 2020. Check out the new David Paton CD, 2020, released today available exclusively at David Paton Songs, where you can also purchase David's other CDs such as 2019 release The Traveller: Another Pilot Project

New David Paton Album

After releasing A Pilot Project and Another Pilot Project in tribute to his work as part of THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT and having completed a new album with Japanese band Sheep (We will have more on that project soon), 2020 was time for David to do what he does best. This album was created in one of the most productive songwriting periods of David's career. The album features a great mix of styles and showcases David as the versatile songwriter, vocalist, and musician that he is. Not only does the album feature his great vocals and bass, it also highlights his musicianship as he plays guitar and all other instruments.

The album can be downloaded from Amazon worldwide.  The links for the UK and USA are below.  It is also available on iTunes and will be available on Spotify soon.