The title (and expression) “The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea” describes someone in a difficult dilemma who must choose between two equally unpleasant or risky options. I wrote about one of the greatest dilemmas of all — falling in love with someone else whilst you are already committed. Do you stay faithful or follow your passion? The song’s lyrics cut to the heart of the matter: “Oh the lies we could tell and the truth we could bend, but we both know how that story ends”. Then more pointedly, “Ask yourself, who do you want to be?” before landing on the final verse where the singer decides the only place the lovers can be together is in their imaginations. Paul Jensen artfully combines indie-folk storytelling with alt-country twang.
His clever lyrics, infectious melodies and wry sense of humor have earned him headliner slots at iconic NYC venues including City Winery, Cutting Room, The Bitter End, and beyond. Drawing on vintage sounds of his youth and inspired by Americana artists like Jason Isbell, The Avett Brothers and Tyler Childers, Paul’s music is treasured by folk, rock, bluegrass and country fans alike. After years laying in waiting, his songs have found their way to adult alternative and college radio programs from WPKN (Bridgeport CT) to WUNH (Keene NH). Whether he’s delivering a captivating solo acoustic set or bringing audiences to their feet with his exceptional five-piece band, Jensen always delivers engaging and memorable live performances.
Paul’s third album Gosport (October 2026) features a collection of songs written on Star Island, Isles of Shoals, NH. His most personal yet, the album explores themes from the death of a best friend to father-son relationships to celebrating a dog’s life well lived. Deeply rooted in the creative community, Jensen is the founder and host of the Sound Shore Songwriter Showcase, an intimate, Nashville-style series that champions local artists in and around Westchester County, NY. In his spare time, Paul is a musician volunteer for Nashville-based Musicians on Call, which brings the healing power of music to patients in hospitals across the country.
