Hello folks, My name is Paul Kallestad. I've been playing keys since I was too young to work the bellows pedals of the pump organ in my Grandparents house. The distinct tones and harmonics of the M3 owned by other relatives forged the synaptic connection resulting in my lifelong addiction to Hammonds. I've steadfastly refused to seek 12 Step program or medical treatment for this affliction, choosing instead, to cart heavy objects weighing up to 3 times my mass, about the countryside. Although the years have been mostly kind, (God has truly blessed me), "The Weight", of even my self designed chopped Hammonds, became a "Burdon" that was no longer physically tolerable. So in 2007 I 'downsized' to a Hammond XK3 and a Nord Electro 73. I still run through a 147 or 145 Leslie... "There's Nothing Like the Real Thing" as far as that set of physics applies. Over the years I have been fortunate to play with great friends, who are also exceptionally talented musicians. In the early years my "Journey" began in the Northern Plains, then traveled briefly to Long Island, and returned to Fargo. Traveling West, I spent 23 years living and playing in various locales in Southern California before returning to ND in 2005. I toured and recorded with Blues artist Walter Trout from 1998 through 2000. Currently I am playing in "Little Donnie & the GrooveTones" with my bother Jerry, a great guitarist. I have been lurking here for a while, and I really enjoy the contributions of the members who post insightful, articulate and humorous, (occasionally in the same post), content. I look forward to making some new friends and positive contributions.
