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Ellis Paul

Ellis Paul returns to Tupelo

Eagle Tribune

Thursday, April 9, 2015

by Shannon Flynn

LONDONDERRY — While growing up on his family’s potato farm in Maine, Ellis Paul discovered one of his talents — running. Paul became a track star in high school, allowing him to travel all over the country.

However, being sidelined by an injury gave Paul a chance to discover another talent — singing and songwriting.

Paul has been on the music scene since 1989, releasing his first full album in 1993. For the last 20 years he has been playing 200 shows a year all over the world. Sunday, he’ll be at the Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, playing his new music as well as a collection of his older songs.
Paul has performed at the Tupelo previously and says it is one of best listening rooms he knows.

“I’m excited to come back,” he said. “The room is intimate and has the factors for a great show. I like the connection with the crowd.”

The new music Paul will be playing comes from his 19th album, “Chasing Beauty.” He describes the songs as “rockier,” “folkier” than his past work. The subject matter in the songs ranges from Johnny Cash to the Red Sox.

When it comes to finding inspirations for new songs, “they keep coming,” Paul said.  He looks back into the history of his life, listens to stories people share with him and stays up to date with the news.

“I keep an open ear,” he said.

Paul has received a lot of recognition for his work, from winning 15 Boston Music Awards, to being inducted to the Maine Music Hall of Fame. His songs have been featured on Hollywood soundtracks such as, “Shallow Hal,” “Hall Pass,” “You, Me and Irene” and the upcoming film, “10 Days in a Mad House.” He also has written a poetry book, children’s books, made a film and recorded two children’s albums and a Christmas album.

“I love my job,” he said. “People keep showing up.”

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