Quick Q and A with Ellis Paul
 by Kathy S-B  ·  27 April 2009

Ellis Paul has been described as the quintessential urban folk singer. He has a way with words that penetrates the souls of his listeners, makes them sit up and listen to his tales of modern life as we know it. His latest CD, A Summer Night in Georgia, is a live recording of a special show at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta. Ellis’ website includes tons of information about him and gives fans a peak into his life. Here’s a video of Ellis playing one of his most memorable songs, “The World Ain’t Slowing Down.”

How does it feel to be lauded as one of the primary movers and shakers of the urban acoustic music scene?

I’m just glad to be doing music still, and I still feel inspired.

You have a strong identification with Woody Guthrie. What is it about Woody’s music that has inspired you so much?

Honesty, simplicity, his search for truth, and justice.

A big round of applause for the fact that you have created a magical collection of children’s songs — “The Dragonfly Races.” Treating kids to intelligently written songs that make them think is a major coup. Have you enjoyed playing family type shows for your fans and their kids?

I treat the kid stuff as seriously as I do the adult songs. They are more jangly and dancy, but there is joy in them, and I try to be thoughtful about what I am saying.

More kudos for such a wealth of information on your website. There’s nothing like getting a real glimpse into a musician’s soul by discovering what kind of music and literature they embrace. Seeing your fondness for Mark Twain, John Irving, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan and others helps put the pieces together for your fans. When I think about the four folks mentioned above, I think about words and innovation. . . . What turns you on the most about your favorite writers and musicians?

I like people who play with language sonically, Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Woody Guthrie, all were fans of the sound of words, and the meanings, and the rhymes. “ONCE UPON A DIME, YOU THREW THE BUMS A DIME, IN YOUR PRIME . . .” ETC., IS ABOUT HOW THE PHRASE SOUNDS, even more than what it is saying. . . .

I’ve been listening a lot to your new live CD, A Summer Night in Georgia, and have to tell you that my favorite cut on the CD is the birthday song that you make up on the spot for a fan in the audience. I’m sure that was a special moment for him (and his girlfriend). Taking a chance like that on stage takes real courage, in my opinion. You never know whether it’s going to work or not. Have you always been able to throw caution to the wind and do that kind of impromptu approach to songwriting on the spot or is it something that you have had to cultivate over the years?

It helps to be not thinking about messing up the whole darn thing, being open to a flow of ideas as they come to mind and not try to make sense out of the whole what’s my next line thing. I can’t believe I got through that one. But I couldnt think that at the time, otherwise I would of cramped and the whole train would derail!