Paul E. Jensen
All of Paul's music, poems and stories are directly inspired by his life and wanderings in the beautiful geographical areas that he has called home. Below is a short bio of Paul's life thus far and how the various chapters and changes informed his creative spirit.
From CO to VT
Paul Jensen
As the visionary behind our artistic haven, Paul is dedicated to curating a collection that speaks to the soul. With a passion for acoustic melodies and poetic words, Paul ensures that every piece offered reflects the essence of artistry and emotional depth.
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Early Musical Beginnings
Paul Jensen’s musical journey began at an early age. In 1970, at just 10 years old, he started playing the violin in the Scenic Elementary School Orchestra. By 1973, he began learning guitar, taught by his father, Lee Forrest Jensen. Growing up in a musical household, Paul was encouraged by both of his parents—his father a carpenter/building contractor with a love for music, and his mother, Josephine Price Enlow Jensen, who instilled in him an interest in poetry as early as 1972.
Early Songwriting & Recording Career
In 1975, at the age of 15, after only two years of playing guitar, Paul began his recording career in Grand Junction. His father recognized his son’s natural ability to blend poetry and music and helped him book time at a local recording studio. Paul recorded his early songs at Bill Yorty’s studio, known for its state-of-the-art 24-track recording equipment. This pivotal moment launched Paul’s music career.
Reflecting on the experience, Paul said:
"It was an enchanting opportunity given to me by my father, who knew of my talents and went to great lengths to ensure I acted upon them."
Paul's early songs, written in a rustic cabin by the Colorado River with no electricity or indoor plumbing, reflected his connection to nature. Songs like "Mountain Boy," which brought him the National Scholastic Songwriting Award in 1979, were among his first musical successes.
Early Songwriting & Recording Career (Continued)
In high school, Paul’s songwriting continued to develop, and by the time he graduated, he was recording his debut album, Let Your Love Shine, with the help of his friend Brian Grandbouche and his first producer, Joe Webber.
The '80s: Challenges and New Beginnings
The early 1980s marked a period of personal and professional transition. Paul married in 1981, and during this time, his music was not well received by the mainstream. However, Paul’s passion for music was rekindled in 1985 when his friend Brad Humphrey invited him to sing on a progressive Christian album, Robot Luggage. Recording with Brad at Trinity Recording Studios marked a turning point, as Paul’s vocal style matured, and he gained further recording experience.
In 1992, Brad relocated his studio to his home, where Paul’s musical evolution continued, especially after being introduced to alternative tunings by his friend Larry Holloway (aka “RAT”). Inspired by the works of artists like Will Ackerman and Michael Hedges, Paul began exploring new musical landscapes through open tunings.
1990s: Nature, Philosophy, and Collaboration
The 1990s were formative years for Paul, as he sought inspiration from the natural world, particularly in the red-rock canyons of Western Colorado and the alpine landscapes of the San Juan Mountains. Paul’s introspective writing during this period culminated in his album The Truer You Live (1994). During this time, he formed lasting collaborations with musicians like Kurt Kuxhausen and John Malvey, as Paul recorded the albums Mystagogia (1996) and Man of the Canyon (2002), the latter receiving approval from the National Park Service for its theme.
2000s: Recognition and New Horizons
In the 2000s, Paul’s career took another leap when he connected with Will Ackerman, the legendary founder of Windham Hill Records, and Corin Nelsen. Working closely with Ackerman, and Nelsen, Paul contributed his song, “Taoist Winds”, to the 2012 album The Gathering, which won the Zone Music Reporter Award for Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. This period also saw the release of The Other Side (2008), featuring a collaboration with Dana Cunningham on the track "Colors of Our Lives."
During these years, Paul divided his time between New England, Nevada, and Colorado, balancing his musical career with his passion for journaling, poetry, and writing.
2022 - Present: A New Chapter
In 2022, Paul published his first book, Higher Ground: Journals of a Jaguar Monk. This marked a new phase in his creative journey, one that intertwined his music with his literary aspirations. In 2023, he released the album Higher Ground, which spans his entire musical career, created with the support of his long-time collaborators John Malvey, Brad Humphrey, and Corin Nelsen.
Paul Jensen currently resides in Shale City (Grand Junction, Colorado), where he continues to evaluate his extensive library of music and literature. With at least three unreleased albums and three more books waiting for the right partnerships to bring these creations to the public.
Artistic Merchandise
Indulge in unique merchandise that captures the essence of acoustic melodies and folksy charm. Each item is a testament to the beauty and creativity that define Paul Jensen Arts.
Blog Adventures
Immerse yourself in the ethereal world of music, poetry, and literature through our engaging blog. Let our words and melodies spark your imagination and feed your soul's artistic cravings.