5 questions: ‘Art ought to be genuine, not predictable or stereotypical’

PEORIA’S EAST BLUFF – After decades working in the mental health field, 74-year-old Paul Adams started concentrating on music in several forms: as a craftsman building stringed instruments for well-known creators such as Daryl Hall and far-lesser-known talents; as a guitarist playing an eclectic mix of genres like New Age, Americana and traditional singer-songwriter work; and collaborating with other musicians to produce some jazz and a little World Music (literally, partnering with artists from Africa and Australia).

He’s successful as a musician. Adams’ 13 albums have more than 138 million streams, gained airplay on satellite radio and other platforms, won music awards, and earned praise from guitarist Gary Green (of Gentle Giant, Mother Tongue, Three Friends) and producer Norbert Putnam (who’s helmed projects by Joan Baez, Jimmy Buffett and Dan Fogelberg). But he hasn’t limited himself to music. He’s a writer, photographer and poet, too.

Despite a busy schedule, he made time to answer the Community Word’s “Five Questions” over coffee. 

 

1.  What do you appreciate about art, whether visual art, theater, music, literature…?

I want it to feel … genuine, I guess I’d say – not predictable or stereotypical. Art doesn’t have to say something to me as much as make me feel something

 

2.  What are some of your current music projects?
I’m working with Australian singer/lyricist Elizabeth Geyer – who I’ve worked with before – on an album, “Why,” and also with Mufrika Edward from Zambia. He’s plays the kalimba [a small African musical instrument also called a thumb piano. Almost like a dulcimer combined with a music box, it has metal tines atop a wooden board played by plucking the tines with thumbs, yielding a pleasant, easygoing sound]. We’ll be released a single, “I’m A Happy Man.”

 

3. As a listener, what’s your preferred medium?

I like CDs  for the sound and the physicality [but] my favorite is probably Spotify. Of course, Pandora and Sirius XM are good – and they’re my bread and butter.

 

4.  I’ve seen photos of you and your dog. What’s that story?

Seamus is my dog’s name; I love Irish names – my last one was Liam. I got Seamus – then named Rascal – in Burlington, Iowa. There was no peace for three years. Now Seamus, 7, is just full of love and beauty and joy.

 

5. What’s a go-to refuge for you? Hiking? Poetry?

I like books and a well-made movie, especially Frank Capra. I even have a signed copy of one of his books. Capra really had a sense of spirituality.