Paul Buchignani

Paul Buchignani (pronounced boo-kin-ya-nee) (born August 28, 1967) is an American drummer who came into musical prominence for his work with The Afghan Whigs on the Black Love album and subsequent tour. Buchignani graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN in 1989. Buchignani played drums for local favorite, Neighborhood Texture Jam, and worked for a law office before making the transition to full-time musician. In 1992 he secured a job at Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN as a session assistant and drummer. Through his association with Ardent engineers and producers John Hampton and Jeff Powell, Buchignani built a relationship with Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs. With drummer Steve Earle departing from The Afghan Whigs in 1994, Buchignani was asked to step in as the new drummer. Buchignani handled the drumming duties on Black Love and remained with the band from 1995-1996. He appeared in multiple music videos with the band including Honky's Ladder. Post-Afghan Whigs, Buchignani has remained busy as a recording and performing musician in Memphis, TN. Post-Whigs career highlights include working with Todd Snider, Mark Lemhouse, Richard Johnston, Impala, AA Bondy, teaching at the Stax Music Academy, and being a recurrent house drummer for the annual New Orleans Ponderosa Stomp music festival. Most recently, he has contributed a musical performance to the film soundtrack for the movie Hustle and Flow (2005), and has been recording and touring with Goner Records artist Harlan T. Bobo and Sympathy for the Record Industry artist, Jack Oblivian. He also teaches at the Memphis Drum Shop.