Paul Silvius
Musician · Massachusetts
Best known for
Banjo
Paul Silvius is a New England banjoist who played with Tasty Licks, Joe Val's bluegrass group, and Del McCoury before turning to a quieter second career as a Harvard Square locksmith and Connecticut woodworker — remembered fondly on a 1994 Car Talk episode as the show's "Director of Lock, Key, and Banjo Studies."
- Bluegrass banjo player known for clean, crisp playing and gorgeous tone.
- Played banjo in the band Tasty Licks before joining Joe Val's bluegrass group.
- Performed and recorded with Del McCoury, Jerry McCoury, and Don Stover.
- Sang baritone harmony, particularly in work with Del McCoury.
- Worked alongside Dave Dillon (guitar) and Eric Levenson (bass) in Joe Val's band.
- Eventually left professional music; worked as a locksmith out of a hardware store in Harvard Square, Massachusetts.
- Later moved to Connecticut and turned to cabinet making and woodworking.
- Referenced humorously on a 1994 Car Talk (Click and Clack) episode as their "Director of Lock, Key, and Banjo Studies."
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Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass BoysPlayed on recordings with Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass Boys
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Bob Paisley and the Southern GrassPlayed on recordings with Bob Paisley and the Southern Grass
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Del McCoury and the Dixie PalsPlayed on recordings with Del McCoury and the Dixie Pals