Who Knows Where the Time Goes was written by Sandy Denny the singer with the legendary British folk-rock band, Fairport Convention. Sandy wrote the song in 1966 when she was 19. That was the same year Joni Mitchell wrote Both Sides, Now. She was only 22. The music in both songs set a meditative mood which underscore remarkable wistful lyrics. What was it about these two song-poets that gave them insight beyond their years?
I’m reminded of these songs around this time of year as I look back on the last 12 months.
2025 was a particularly meaningful year for me in part because of a book that was published in December. Positively Fourth and Mercer (The Inside Story of New York’s Iconic Music Club, The Bottom Line) by Allan Pepper and Billy Altman is more than the story of this club. For those of us who came of age in the music business of the 1970’s, it is our story as well. (Full disclosure: I was interviewed and quoted in the book.) Reading the book brought back a flood of memories.
I met Allan and his partner Stanley Snadowsky in 1970. I was 18 years old. They were promoting shows at The Village Gate for Art D’Lugoff while my band, Revival was performing regularly at Gerde’s Folk City a few blocks away in Greenwich Village. (See photo by Kevin Daley at the top!) We were a quartet: three guys and girl who sang sparkling harmonies over folk-rock beats with the kind of enthusiasm only four kids just out of high school could credibly project. Yes, we were pretty good. Allan and Stanley signed us to a management agreement three years before they established The Bottom Line. We were all there on opening night. Over the next 30 years, I and thousands of music lovers, business and creative professionals spent countless nights witnessing some of the greatest performances by many of the defining artists of our time. Some of us were even privileged to play on that stage.
For me, the book brought to mind the many musicians, performers and bands I’ve played and recorded with over the years, the tours, audiences, venues, parties and fans, the extraordinary shows and the regrettable ones. Mostly, I look back and celebrate life-long friendships.
Fortunately, the adventure continues.
In 2025 I released a new collection of original songs called Extra Innings. It’s been very well received, accumulating good streaming numbers and even getting radio airplay. DJ Mike Horyczun put Extra Innings at #2 on his list of Best Albums of 2025 on WPKN “The Greatest Radio Station in the World!” (The New Yorker).
In support of the album, I did some exciting solo shows at The Turning Point, The Towne Crier, The Beacon Bonfire Festival, the Pomona Cultural Center, the Sound Shore Songwriters Series (Rye, NY) and an amazing gig opening for Kasey Chambers at The Rams Head in Annapolis, MD.
Paul with Kasey at The Rams Head
I was interviewed on WPKN by Mike Horyczun and was featured on a very cool podcast about musicians called The Bandwich Tapes hosted by the brilliant Brad Williams.
Now in our 31st year, The Bacon Brothers continued our never-ending tour playing over 45 shows including the Stagecoach Festival.
Yes, who knows where the time goes?
In any case, I look forward continuing this journey, Wherever This Highway Goes.
