One thing for sure that’s resulted from the global pandemic of COVID-19, is that we are all in the same boat of having to stay put in the same place, and no matter how big or how small our home is, it’s bound to make us all go a little stir crazy and lose focus on what’s most important.
Singer-songwriter, actor, and writer Paul Helou is no stranger to this common and somewhat disheartening experience, and has decided to do his part by not just taking care of himself and those around him, but those he encounters through his music. His new single and video, ‘There Are Heroes (Stay Put Blues)’ is written for all of us who have had to endure quarantine, and he puts to good use his gift for raising good cheer with his natural wit and good nature, and uplifting lyrics.
“During an extremely challenging and uncertain time, when the temptation to give in to bleak thoughts constantly came up,” Helou recalls, “I knew I had to dig deeper into a heartfelt, creative project – one that would involve a team of creative musicians and consultants to shine light and share good vibes.”
A consummate musician, Helou is equally at ease with jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, and modern pop, and he’s worked with musicians of many different styles and backgrounds. In his upcoming album, he’s included backing musicians such as Garth Hudson (The Band), John Sebastian (The Lovin’ Spoonful), Harvey Sorgen (Hot Tuna), and bluegrass/Americana luminaries such as fiddler Stuart Duncan, multi-instrumentalist Joe Craven (David Grisman, Jerry Garcia), among many others.
‘There Are Heroes (Stay Put Blues)’, of course couldn’t have a traditional music video, and so we see a Zoom-like clip, with all the artists coming together in harmony. Among those counted in Helou’s friends are drummer/percussionist Christian Teele, pianist Josh Shilling, and singer Devyn Rush. The artists are international, coming from places as far afield as Tennessee, California, Argentina, Italy, but all find unity in compassion.
Speaking about the lighter side of the video, Helou said,
“Yes, I really do have three plants called Larry, Curly and Moe. Moe was a little reluctant to be part of the production, but we worked it out in the end. I think he’s almost done with that Faulkner book.”
‘There Are Heroes (Stay Put Blues)’ is currently doing the rounds of the international film festival circuit, and has already got praise, including finalist positions at the New York International Film Festival Awards, and the Prague International Monthly Film Festival, and semi-finalist at the Moscow Film Party.
Watch the video below, and visit Paul Helou on his Twitter account.
