Click to hear Songs and Stories #76 (time = 28:35, size = 26.2 mb)

I was a music fan long before I was writing songs (or even playing guitar), so I still love the thrill of “discovering” a new artist who simply floors me musically. Boston-based songwriter Eilen Jewell and her band played the Strawberry Music Festival last Spring and have since made TWO cross-country trips out to the west coast. In this interview recorded in Santa Cruz, CA, Eilen talks about her childhood reluctance to performing (getting past “piano recital” day was a big relief), her music influences (Buddy Holly, The Zombies, Loretta Lynn and the Stand By Me soundtrack), to finally writing and recording with her band. (She’s had the same bandmates on every record).

Eilen also explains the genesis of The Sacred Shakers, a roots-gospel side project she’s involved with back home. This episode includes clips of Sea of Tears from her latest release along with “Twelve Gates to the City” and “Ready to Go Home” (A Hank Williams cover) from The Sacred Shakers debut record.