ellis paul

Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven- album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories.

His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Learn more about Ellis Paul at www.ellispaul.com

Host Lee Zimmerman is a freelance music writer whose articles have appeared in several leading music industry publications. Lee is a former promotions representative for ABC and Capital Records and director of communications for various CBS affiliated television stations. Lee authored "Americana Music - Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound," as well as his recent book about legendary producer and engineer Jim Gains "Thirty Years Behind The Glass," both are now available on Amazon and other outlets.

Lee also played a key role in securing airplay for Jimmy Buffett’s first major hit, “Margaritaville” so you can blame him for the fact that it’s become something akin to a Parrot heads’ national anthem! During his time at Capital records Lee also worked with such legends as Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, the Steve Miller Band, and others. You can contact Lee at lezim@bellsouth.net and find him online at https://www.storiesbeyondthemusic.com

Podcast producer/cohost Billy Hubbard is a Tennessee based Americana Singer/Songwriter and former Regional Director of A&R for a Grammy winning company, as well as a music and podcast producer. Billy is also the venue developer, booking manager, and co-founder of the iconic venue "The Station" in East Tennessee. As an artist Billy is endorsed by Godin's Simon & Patrick Guitars and his YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers. Billy's new self titled album was released on Spectra Records October 2023 on iTunes and all major outlets! Learn more about Billy online at http://www.BillyHubbard.com

My Backstage Pass intro/outro music credit; Billy Hubbard "Waiting' on The Wind"

We believe you must feel it to heal it. Embracing what it means to be human makes life a bit easier to manage, at least we'd like to think so. This includes realizing that it's you alone in our decision to unlock the door and escape from within. 

Epiosde one seventy seven of Above Ground Podcast is all about those pesky feelings we need to find a language to discuss.This week we got Inpired by the Flotsam and Jetsam tune, Escape From Within.

We hold the key to our escape. We all have limited time with this thing called life being terminal in all. When we awaken to this idea, it places the responsibility squarely on us to sign the contract of death that begs to be signed when we scream our way out of the womb onto the earth stage. 

Journaling is a great tool to use to filter your feelings. Having the language to describe what sludge and debris blocks us from our path. Byron Katie's The Work, could be a useful place for you to start.

Ellis Paul says the world aint slowin' down and our real time practice in the human condition takes acceptance and action. When we build these muscles it helps us deepen our capacity to juggle. When we juggle the years like chainsaws don't kill the power.

This Saturday Will is performing at Fuze Box 12 Central Avenue Albany, NY. 8pm showtime $10 at the door. Above Ground Podcast fans come see Will & TPP do a very special song to close out the set. Hope to see many of you there. 

TPP is launching his book, Never Underestimate the Power of You, on November 11th, and you will be able to purchase through Amazon. When we have a link we will post it everywhere. Be sure to check in on our social media. 

Thanks so much for listening this week. Continue following, sharing and being the hope dealers we are.

Until next Wednesday,get well, be safe, Stay Above...