Saxophonist Baron Raymonde first met bassist and record producer Paul Ill and guitarist Frank Osgood at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, in 2022. At the time, both Frank and Paul were involved with MusiCares, an organization supporting musicians in need. Baron quickly struck up a friendship with them, discovering they shared a common vision: blending their diverse musical backgrounds into something fresh and authentic.

 

The following year, they decided to join forces and perform together for a three-day stint at the CrossRock booth at NAMM. Originally there to demonstrate gear, the trio soon realized they had a rare chemistry. What began as informal showcases evolved into spontaneous jams and the first seeds of original songs. The energy they created together drew enthusiastic crowds and set the tone for what was to come.

 

After the NAMM shows, Paul suggested making a record together, and everyone agreed it was the natural next step. They began recording sessions at The Loft Studio in Bronxville, New York, laying down initial ideas that blended rock, blues, soul, and improvisation. These sessions were engineered by Al Hemberger and included contributions from Victoria Berdy on percussion and Ricardo Belletta on drums.

 

As their collaboration deepened, Baron traveled to Los Angeles to continue working on new material the three had developed and exchanged over the internet. During these sessions, they formally decided to name their project Baron Von FrankenPaul—a playful combination of their names and musical identities.

 

The L.A. recordings featured an impressive lineup of guest musicians who shared their creative vision. Drummers James Gadson (renowned for his work with Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye), Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton), and Jeremy Coulson (Steve Vai’s drummer) all brought their distinctive grooves to the project. Percussionists Matt Abts (Gov’t Mule), Wally Ingram (W4HORS3), and Richie Gajate Garcia contributed dynamic rhythmic layers that deepened the band’s sound. Pedal steel guitarist Andrea Whitt added shimmering textures that helped define their unique musical identity.

 

These vital recordings were produced by Chris Wonzer and Baron Von FrankenPaul, and mixed and mastered by Chris Wonzer, whose expertise helped bring clarity and cohesion to the album’s eclectic blend of styles.

 

After months of writing, recording, and refining, Baron Von FrankenPaul was ready to share their music with the world. To celebrate, the band is hosting a record release party on December 11, 2025, at The Bitter End, the legendary club in Greenwich Village, New York City.

 

The event promises to be a special night, featuring not only the band’s debut material but performances by remarkable guests, including:

    •    Drummer Steve Ferrone

    •    Bassist Will Lee (The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Orchestra)

    •    Blues Brother Lou Marini, a longtime collaborator of Baron’s

    •    Pedal steel guitarist Greg McMullen

    •    Percussionist Emiden Rivera

 

The record release show will showcase the camaraderie, musicianship, and creative spirit that brought Baron, Frank, and Paul together. From a chance meeting at NAMM to the stages of New York City, Baron Von FrankenPaul stands as proof that when artists connect, the results can be unforgettable.

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ABOUT BARON RAYMONDE

 

Baron Raymonde, a highly accomplished saxophonist, was born in New York City. His musical journey began at age six, studying piano under Dr. Emile Del Terzo at Carnegie Hall Studios. By nine, he had picked up the saxophone, setting the stage for a lifelong passion. Baron pursued his education at the University of North Texas, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music.After college, Baron embarked on an 11-year tour with Matt “Guitar” Murphy of the Blues Brothers, recording on Murphy’s album The Blues Don’t Bother Me. Over the years, he has performed with an impressive array of artists, including Rod Stewart (as the featured saxophonist on Stewart’s Human Tour), Wayne Newton, Levon Helm, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Gloria Gaynor, the Original Blues Brothers Band, and the G.E. Smith Band.Baron’s talents extend beyond live performances to studio recordings and compositions. He contributed to the Grammy-winning album Voyage to India by India. Arie and played on Southside Johnny’s Grapefruit Moon. His TV credits include performances for themes on Michael’s Place, Quench, and the closing theme for NBC’s Today Show. He also composed music for The Ricki Lake Show.In theater, Baron toured with the Broadway show Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues and performed in the Off-Broadway production Love, Janis. His film credits include a performance in August Rush and playing saxophone on PBS’s American Masters series, Women of Tin Pan Alley.Baron’s contributions to music earned him induction into the New York Blues Hall of Fame at B.B. King’s in NYC. He has also played with Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, filling in for Stan Harrison during their European tour. Currently, he performs with actor Vincent Pastore’s Gangster Squad band throughout the New York Metropolitan Area.Most recently, Baron performed with Wayne Newton at the Mohegan Sun Arena, continuing a distinguished career that highlights his extraordinary versatility and dedication to music.

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ABOUT PAUL ILL

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Life-long songwriter/bassist PAUL ILL counts playing with the WILLIE DIXON FAMILY BAND at Mr. Dixon’s wake, tracking live in a London studio with TINA TURNER, playing and songwriting with LINDA PERRY, CHRISTINA AGUILARA, PINK and ALICIA KEYS and performing with BOBBY WEIR as career peak experiences.He is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, who, as a studio bassist has played on recordings that have sold over 20 million records. He has sold more than 4.5 million records as a songwriter. Paul has active copyrights with such artists as Christina Aguilara, Pink, Courtney Love (Hole), Michael Des Barres and Juliette Lewis. His recording and touring credits include the afore-mentioned Tina Turner, Bobby Weir, Annie Lennox, Linda Perry (whom he counts as a crucial influence and mentor), Courtney Love, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Pink, Daniel Powter, James Blunt, Michael Des Barres, Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones), Mike Love (Beach Boys), Bill Ward (Black Sabbath), Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top) and Wayne Kramer (MC5) just to name a few. Paul is a first call studio musician, songwriter and arranger for esteemed record producers such as Jack Douglas, Little Steven Van Zant, Guy Chambers, Michael Lloyd, Jeremy Stacy, Bobby Owsinski, Doug DeAngelis, Chris Wonzer and the previously mentioned Linda Perry. The iconic Tom Dowd also made use of Paul’s bass playing.“I owe Jack Douglas a lifetime debt of gratitude for his mentorship early in my career and for our continued friendship and creative collaborations.”Throughout his career Paul has created music for film and television. He co-wrote the theme music for the annual Comedy Central Awards show as well as countless cues and songs created specifically for numerous network and independent films and TV shows. The list includes but is not limited to The David Attel Show, The Gong Show, Fast Track To Fame and The Missy Eliot Reality Show. He has composed scores for numerous independent films, including “Any Day,” by writer/director Rustam Branaman, featuring Sean Bean. Paul currently performs with Gravel Museum, playing Classic Rock in front of symphony orchestras. This includes performances with the Niagara Symphony (Toronto, Canada) and the Buffalo Symphony.He, along with Bobby Owsinski, is the co-author of “The Studio Musician’s Handbook,” published internationally by Hal Leonard Music Publishing.Additionally, Paul is a licensed Clinical Therapist (AMFT #153239) who utilizes Narrative Therapeutic concepts and non-traditional approaches to offer transformational experiences to a very diverse client population. He is on staff at MusiCares (Grammys) and NoHo Recovery. As a Songwriting Instructor he has facilitated for Jail Guitar Doors, at the California Institute For Men. Paul offers therapeutic services to Individuals, Couples, Families and Groups and teaches Narrative Songwriting As A Therapeutic Tool™. His decades of experience as a successful songwriter and professional recording/touring musician combine with his progressive applications of Narrative Therapy and holistic health practices to facilitate positive change for individuals, couples, families and organizations. Over the years, he has created a compendium of interactive, individual and group experiences that empower clients to transform through the processes of self-storying, songwriting and music creation.

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ABOUT FRANK OSGOOD

Frank Osgood is a hard-hitting Los Angeles guitarist whose fretwork is infused with a deep-seated musical heritage. The son of Hollywood jazz drumming great Buddy Osgood—a staple of the big-band, studio, and touring circuit—Frank was practically born on stage!His formative years were a rough-and-tumble introduction to the instrument, starting with a comically difficult Sears Silvertone acoustic (with strings “two inches off the neck!”), an experience that forged a relentless commitment to his craft.Frank has since carved out his own impressive path, performing with notable bands like High Voltage, Goldie, Blacklight, and Legends. He has performed extensively for various music companies at the NAMM Show over the years.A career highlight includes the undeniable thrill of opening for rock icon Sammy Hagar, underscoring Frank’’s standing as a powerful and proven live act. He lives to play live!