Basic Folk 86 – Ellis Paul

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Ellis Paul! The one and only. This has been a long time coming. The Maine-born musician is famous for helping establish the “Boston Songwriter Sound” in the late 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. He grew up on a potato farm and became a national track star, which earned him a scholarship to Boston University. Ellis started learning and playing guitar after an injury sidelined him. He began seeking out open mics in the city and came across Club Passim in Harvard Square, Cambridge, where he now holds the record of the most shows played there ever. We talk about the early days, playing over 200 shows a year, Woody Guthrie, living with Dupuytren Syndrome and how that has affected his playing.

He’s been a favorite of mine for a long time and it was great to be able to prepared for this interview and listen to all his songs again, including his latest album The Storyteller’s Suitcase.  We talk about a couple of standouts on that album including a song where he explains the afterlife to his 5 year old daughter. Oof. Ellis Paul! Thanks for listening!

Ellis Paul – I Ain’t No Jesus

Ellis Paul – Storyteller’s Suitcase