“I once heard Paul Kamm and Eleanore MacDonald at 4:30 in the morning and was sure I must have been dreaming, I pulled them aside the next day and made them sing again to prove it wasn’t a mirage, and they are for real, GREAT writing and harmonies that can fuse your spine….” Ellis Paul
“Paul Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald have managed to defy the odds by not only putting out a fine independently produced project, but by being responsible for writing and singing some of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time by any artist on any size label…” Dirty Linen Magazine 40
“Like experienced vintners, this duos product -- their musicianship as well as their skill at producing their recordings -- keeps improving as the years pass, and with more than 20 years performing and recording together, they are setting the mark very, very high.”
Tim O’Laughlin, Rambles.net 2003
Modern folk musicians Paul Kamm and Eleanore MacDonald have been writing and performing original, contemporary folk music for 27 years. A blend of contemporary and traditional styles, their music is graced by exquisite harmony, compelling songwriting, deceptively simple arrangements and intricate guitar work… all embraced by great heart.
Hailing from Nevada City, California, they’ve been applauded throughout the US as well as overseas for the lyrical content of their songs and vocal blend…a haunting style which weaves unique harmonies into a rich tapestry of guitar work and storytelling.
They are Kerrville, Telluride and Rocky Mtn New Folk award winners, to name just a few, but the real nature of their musical voice doesn’t come into focus as easily as reciting a list of these coveted prizes. The quiet way they live and work flows through their music like water, and washes over you as surely as the notes do. You get the impression that working for issues like peace and justice shouldn’t keep us from dropping everything to help a stray animal in need, and that ambition is nothing without love, because one thing follows another, one hand connected to the other. In an uncompromising yet comforting way their music is patient, like talking with someone who looks you in the eye, someone who reminds you to breathe, because these things might take a little time. Their songs are filled with stories that touch us all, and whether it’s love or politics, war and peace, old farmers, old women or the earth and our children, this music brings to life both history and today with a powerful mix of inclusion and compassion.
At home in large venues like the Strawberry, Kerrville or Kate Wolf music festivals, a late night ‘in the round’ tribute to Woody Guthrie with folks they greatly admire like Jackson Browne, Elyza Gilkyson, Steve Earle and Jimmy Lafave, or in the small intimate setting of a living room house concert, Paul and Eleanore sing with the same voice. One that is personal and unguarded… a voice draped in stark and ethereal harmonies that are as welcoming as the crackling warmth of a fire.
Since 1987 Paul and Eleanore have independently produced 8 albums of original music, receiving critical acclaim from all of the various trade reviewers worldwide. Music from these CDs are played on NPR, Community, College and Public radio stations the world over - internet radio, satellite and land radio. They’ve been featured in Sing Out! Magazine, Air America, Democracy Now!... ’Josephine’, from the CD ‘Fool’s Paradise’, was used at a multimedia event in 2002, commemorating the events of 9/11/2001 at Ground Zero in NYC. They’ve been seen on PBS performing on a few episodes of the ‘California Heartland’ series, and have had their song ‘Calling on Love’ used in a PBS ‘Visionaries’ segment. Most recently they have a new song, ‘The Dark Seed’ featured in a upcoming documentary film by Aaron Lucich, ‘We Are What We Eat’, and their rendition of Kate Wolf’s song ‘Unfinished Life’ is included on Nina Gerber’s latest CD ‘Good Music With Good People…Live at the Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival’.
Check out the podcast of their 45 minute interview by Jeffrey Callison on Sacramento’s Capitol Public Radio’s ‘INSIGHT’ program – which gives great insight into who these artists are and why they do what they do… http:/www.capradio.org/programs/insight/default.aspx?showid=1632
Currently recording album 9, ‘Notes From an Endless Sea’, due out in 2009, Paul and Eleanore are also hoping to start work on a long planned recording of mostly previously unrecorded songs written by their dear friend, the late Utah Phillips.
A concert with Paul and Eleanore is a night to remember…the depth and beauty of their lyrical and harmonic mastery is filled with colour, their songwriting is stimulating, inspirational, magical, folky yet somehow all smoky jazzy and far away places too, and it might make you want to get up and move…their powerful lyrical imagery and haunting and moving harmony always in honor of their folk roots.
Paul Kamm and Eleanore MacDonald's Friend Space (Randomized)
Hello Paul. I'm putting on a show at the Miner's Foundry July 31st and was wondering if you'd be so kind to help out with the event? It was great to meet you and have you there last time I played. Let me know if you'll be around and if you have anyone else that would like to volunteer for the Benefit show. It should be a dewsy.
Hey Eleanore and Paul!!! You better not forget to tell me if you ever come to Denver or Boulder or ANYWHERE in Colorado!!! I wanna see you again, your voices make me melt.
Hi Eleanore and Paul! I have been on a enlightening journey with my new guitar... a Les Paul Gibson. It has illuminated my music. I pray, all is peaceful for you. I cherish your friendship. I took this picture :)
It is a great day to be alive! What Question can I ask to empower myself and others? What new thought can I notice now to add to my creativity? How can I improve the experience of those I encounter today? What can I do to facilitate your Gift?
Yesterday Is History Tomorrow is a Mystery Today is a Gift... That's why we call it the Present
Hey Eleanore & Paul! If you know anyone that might help out with my fundraiser for the Humane Society Legislative Fund Party to End Puppy Mills this Sunday, trying to get donations - anything helps!! Check out my Party Page where people can donate to the HSLF, pass it along! Thank you!!!!!
Hey Paul! thanks for your help that day. It was great to have help with the gear and communicating it all together. Hope to see you again up there. Justin
Bring HOPE, one candle at a time! 100% of The Candles for Kids line proceeds go to the Prayer Child Foundation, providing opportunities to children in need throughout the world. Together, we are making a difference! ** All products not tested on animals**
Happy New Year! We wish you a very happy and healthy year. We hope it's a year of peace and prosperity for all. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Seasons Greetings Paul & Eleanore! If you're in town for the holidaze... Come check out the new project! ~Hope all is well in the new year~ ***PEACE***
It was great seeing you guys too! We had to get going after Mountain Laurels and your set because Mom was a little sick last night, but we all really enjoyed you set last night, you guys are both awesome!
Take care, ~Paige and the rest of the Anderson Family
~ Wishing you Happy Holidays~ I love you guys~ Many Blessings~ Wished i could have been there last night for the Hospitality House Benefit~ You are a beacon of light for our community and have inspired my own musical career~ Thank you! Love Tamara
You two are remarkable! I am delighted to have discovered such inspiring musicians, whose melodies, words, and exquisite vocal quality touch that deep chord inside. Humble bow to you, and many thanks for that which you share.
