This year marks the 30th anniversary of folk artist Ellis Paul’s career, a milestone he is celebrating on tour and with the release of his new album 55. Today, he releases the second single “Gold In California”.
“Ellis Paul’s lilting ‘Gold in California’ wafts in like the gentle breezes that blow off the Pacific. Shimmering ukulele strums and crisp guitar notes flow over lush layers of accordion in this upbeat ode to the beauties of California.” – FolkAlley
Written with Kristian Bush, the song began as a conversation between the two over breakfast. Ellis was reflecting on his experiences in Big Sur. “It’s a spiritual home for me,” says Ellis. “So, I like to share the place. There’s so much of a creative draw there— to write, to paint, to drink wine with someone you love. I hope to live there someday. We captured how it makes me feel.”
It follows the title track “55,” written in 2020 when Ellis was uncertain that he would perform again. He was turning 55, and not struggling with the idea of the age, but the consequences of it. Dupuytren’s contracture, a disease that tightly closes the fingers into a fist, had settled into both of his hands. He was wondering how long he had left as a guitarist and a piano player before it rendered his playing and writing impossible.
“Ellis Paul has a vocal tone on the soft side but embed with the richness of Burl Ives. With that as the backdrop, this song takes you through a very real reflection on being of a certain age, and the memories of items and practices that have been retired to the annals of history. Nimble and provocative.” – Americana Highways
The album 55 is reflective, adult and joyous: uplifting gratitude and awe for the life he’s been given in the simple prayer of “Cosmos,” the love of old friends in “The Gift,” a father’s song to his daughters in “Be the Fire,” and even moments of wanderlust along the Pacific Ocean (“Gold In California) and Ireland (“Holy”).
In December 2022, when he could play guitar and piano no longer, Ellis underwent successful surgery to free the fingers of his left hand. He could form chords again. His right hand remains affected, but less so. He’s soldiering on, performing shows with the newfound thrill of being able to play again. He plans on surgery for the right hand in 2024.
Now that both the world and Ellis’ hands are opening up, and he’s packing for a year full of shows to celebrate. 55 will be available June 9, 2023 on Rosella Records.
