The Ghost of Paul Revere performed a late show at the Hang as part of the Blue Moon Concert Series on Sept. 12th. Featuring Max Davis, Sean McCarthy, Griffin Sherry and Matt Young, The Ghost coined the term “holler-folk” to describe their soulful, distinctive sound- a stomping fun blend of folk and bluegrass. A very busy group, they are currently on tour and planning a handful of shows in Maine over the next month, while wrapping up some studio recordings to prepare a new album. In the past they’ve played at Stone Mountain, Port City, and the Newport Folk Festival. They sat with Nor’easter News for a brief interview before hitting the stage.

The Ghost is composed of three childhood friends, Davis, McCarthy and Sherry, Maine natives who have been passionate about music since their teen years, and Young, the newcomer turned brother from New Jersey. Most of the band got involved with instruments somewhere between middle and high school, McCarthy admitting he switched from bass to acoustic guitar in high school because “it got more girls.” Davis, who has an impressive mastery of instruments, told Nor’easter News he was actually a latecomer to the banjo, saying “I was in college, and one day someone handed me a banjo. All of the sudden I was spending hours playing [it].” The band got its start in open-mic nights, which is how they met Young, their harmonica player. Young has been playing music his whole life, and feels it’s something that “just comes. I just do it.”

I asked who wrote the mostly playful, often haunting lyrics, punctuated with their folksy phrases and spirited whoops and calls. The “lyrics were primarily [written by] Max and Griffin,” who had written many of the songs before the formation of the band in 2011. When asked if they had advice for budding musicians, the band took turns sharing what they’ve learned:

Young: “Keep rocking, do not stop. People say that you’re not gonna make anything- just say thanks for your support, and get back to what you do.”
Sherry: “Don’t be afraid of sucking, and make sure you’re ok with not being very good.”
McCarthy: “You gotta have fun with it. If you don’t, it’s too hard of a job.”
Davis: “Be nice to the sound people.”

A rare blend of organic talent, unique and powerful vocals, and dedication, they are excited to release a new EP later this fall, and a full-length album early next year. They have yet to decide on titles, saying “song titles are easy…” albums, not so much. In any case, I eagerly await the next move of this dynamic Maine group.

Catch them at their upcoming shows:
http://www.ghostofpaulrevere.com/shows/