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Paul Ehrich's life story is filled with surprises. Despite not having a musical upbringing, he developed a passion for music after witnessing a street performance. He started playing the guitar with a friend and formed a band called Master Tony and His Slots. They later changed their name to Sunday Morning Generation and shifted towards folk music. Paul Ehrich explored different instruments and joined the FDF Orchestra. He then discovered the Baptist Church and joined the youth choir, expanding his musical horizons to include gospel music. He met his future wife during this time. After a less than ideal experience in mandatory military service, he stumbled into teaching music classes and found success even without formal qualifications. He made his organ playing debut and eventually moved to Finn for a teaching opportunity at Allerup. However, renovations on his house forced him to take detours, including working at a school for difficult children. Despite the challenges, he used music All right, let's dive in. We're taking a deep dive today into the world of Paul Ehrich, a man who's ready to share his life story through words and music. We're looking back to October 7th, 2024, the day he took the stage for this presentation. And we've got excerpts from his memoir, Minutwachst og Megit Mir. Let me tell you, this guy's life, it's full of surprises. It really is. I was struck by how Paul Ehrich didn't exactly have, a musical upbringing. It's interesting, isn't it? You'd expect with his passion for music that he would grown up surrounded by it. Right, like instruments lying around the house, family sing-alongs, that sort of thing. Exactly, but he describes his childhood home in Ringparken as quiet, peaceful, but totally devoid of music. No music at all, wow. No instruments, no singing, nothing. Hard to imagine, right? It really is, especially for someone who goes on to dedicate so much of their life to music. It makes you wonder where that passion comes from, right? Absolutely. Well, it seems like it all started with this almost magical moment he describes in his memoir. Oh, yeah. He's looking out his kitchen window one day, and he sees these three guys performing on the street. A street performance, what were they playing? A saw, a guitar, and a harmonica. He calls it homemade music. Homemade music, I love that. So was this like a light bulb moment for him? Like, bam, that's it, I'm gonna be a musician. It really seems that way. What a story. This chance encounter, this simple street performance, it sparked something deep within him. And it changed the course of his life. It did, he was so captivated by what he saw and heard that he went out and bought himself a used guitar. Oh, wow, what kind of guitar? An Eggman Lucky 7. An Eggman Lucky 7, huh? Those were pretty popular back in the day. They were, but learning an instrument, especially when you're starting from scratch, it's not easy. Yeah, it takes a lot of dedication, a lot of patience. It does, and even with that, those early days, they weren't exactly filled with beautiful melodies. More like struggling to get the right chords, probably. Yeah, probably a lot of that. But then, a new friend enters the picture. Ah, a friend. Always good to have someone to share the musical journey with. Exactly, and this friend, Michael Jungvolk, he becomes a central figure in Paul Ehrich's life. Okay, Michael, got it. Michael had a hand-me-down Levin guitar, and together, they started to explore the world of music. I love that. Two young guys, their guitars, and a whole lot of musical potential. That's a classic story, isn't it? And it doesn't stop there. Of course not. What happens next? Well, what's the next logical step when you've got two budding musicians and a shared passion? Gotta form a band. You got it. They called themselves Master Tony and His Slots. Master Tony and His Slots, what a name! It's so full of youthful energy. It is, you could practically hear the music just from the name alone. Totally, so were they any good? Well, they were young, but they had that fire, you know, that drive to make music. Yeah, yeah. They started playing gigs at youth clubs, private parties, that sort of thing. Those were some wild times. Oh, sure. 1967 seems to have been their busiest year, gig-wise, yeah. They were really getting their name out there, making a mark on the local music scene. But every band has its ups and downs, right? That's true, and Master Tony and His Slots was no exception. What kind of challenges did they face? Usual stuff, creative differences, maybe some limitations with equipment. Yeah, it's tough when you're starting out and you don't always have access to the best instruments. It is. But even with those hurdles, they didn't give up. Good for them. So what did they do? They rebranded themselves, changed their name to Sunday Morning Generation. Sunday Morning Generation, hmm, another catchy name. So did this new name come with a new sound? Well, they were still playing rock and roll, but something was shifting for Paul, Eric, and Michael. Interesting. They were starting to feel drawn to a different kind of music. Really? What kind of music? Folk music. Folk music, huh? That's quite a departure from rock and roll. It is, but they found folk music to be more accessible, more in line with their evolving interests. Yeah, I can see that. Plus, it gave them the opportunity to experiment with different instruments. I love how music allows for that, you know, that constant exploration and growth. It's one of the most amazing things about music, isn't it? Absolutely. So what new instruments did they pick up? Well, Paul, Eric started learning the recorder and the harmonica. Oh, okay. And they even joined the FDF Orchestra. The FDF Orchestra. Yeah, you know, the one associated with the Danish Scout Movement. Oh, right, right. So they were playing alongside other young musicians, Michael on the cornet, sometimes even the bass drum. Wow, that's a lot of musical versatility. It was a time of real musical exploration for them. And it sounds like it was paying off. It was. They even mention in the memoir how much they improved after participating in the FDF Music Festival in 1969. A music festival, huh? Those are always great for learning and getting inspired by other musicians. They are. And it seems like this one really had a big impact on them. So we've got rock and roll, we've got folk music. What's next in Paul Eric's musical journey? Well, this is where things take a rather unexpected turn. Oh, I like unexpected turns. I think you'll appreciate this one. Okay, tell me more. He encounters the Baptist Church. The Baptist Church, hmm. That's not exactly where I'd expect to find a rock and roll loving folk musician. You'd be surprised. It turns out the Baptist Church had a vibrant, welcoming musical community. Okay, I'm intrigued. He joined the youth choir and there he was, exposed to a whole new world of music. Wow, so from rock and roll to folk music to church music, this guy's musical taste is all over the map. You could say that. He was learning everything from traditional hymns to contemporary gospel. What a mix. Who was leading the choir? A woman named Corinne Marcosa. Corinne Marcosa, all right. And later on, a man named Sven Eric Stoltenberg introduced them to true gospel music. So they were really getting a deep dive into the world of gospel music. They were. And it seems like this experience really opened up their musical horizons even further. That's fantastic. It's amazing how music can bring people together from all walks of life. It really is. And speaking of bringing people together, Paul Eric subtly mentions meeting his future wife, Lena, during this time. Oh, that's sweet. A love story blossoming amidst the hymns and harmonies. Isn't it lovely? But life isn't always hymns and harmonies, is it? Unfortunately not. Paul Eric's story takes a bit of a turn, a less glamorous one, when he talks about his time in Civil for Zverea. Civil for Zverea, that's like the Danish National Service, right? Yeah, like a mandatory military service. Ah, got it. And he didn't exactly enjoy it. Oh no, what didn't he like about it? He doesn't go into too much detail, but you can sense that it wasn't a positive experience for him. And on top of that, his daughter, Trine, was born right in the middle of it all. Talk about a whirlwind of emotions. Yes. A new baby and a less than ideal job. Wow, he really had a lot on his plate. He did. But life has a way of throwing curve balls, doesn't it? It certainly does. So what happens after Civil for Zverea? Well, he finds himself at Magelgorz Golan, teaching music classes. Wait, teaching? But he wasn't a trained teacher, was he? Nope, not at all. He kind of stumbled into it, unexpectedly. You've got to be kidding, that's amazing. It is. It seems like he had a natural knack for it, even without any formal qualifications. That's incredible. He even mentions making his organ playing debut at Jakobskirken. Organ playing debut? Now I'm really curious. We'll have to dig into that later. Definitely, but first, let's talk about his move to Finn. Ah, yes, the Garden Island of Denmark. What prompted that move? I'm guessing it has something to do with another unexpected opportunity. You guessed it, a teaching opportunity at Allerup, a place renowned for its folk high school. Wow, Allerup, that's a big deal. Sounds like a dream job. It was, but as is often the case with life, things didn't quite go according to plan. Oh no, what happened? Renovations on their newly purchased house forced him to put his Allerup dreams on hold. Ah, that's a tough break. It was. He had to find work quickly, and that's when he took on a series of jobs that, on the surface, seemed pretty far removed from his musical path. Okay, now I'm really intrigued. Tell me more about these detours. Well, his first stop is Klintabjerg's Skolagym, a school for what he calls difficult children. Difficult children, huh? That sounds like a challenging job. It was, definitely not for the faint of heart. I can imagine. Paul Eric doesn't go into too much detail about this period, but you get a sense that it really impacted him, working at Klintabjerg's Skolagym, forcing him to confront some tough realities, to see the world through the eyes of these kids. Kids who were struggling. Yeah, kids who maybe didn't fit in, who were acting out. I see. And he had to find a way to connect with them, to build trust, to nurture whatever potential he saw in them. It's amazing how someone with such a strong passion for music could also have this incredible empathy and patience for working with these kids. It is. And what's even more remarkable is that he still brought music into their lives. Oh, really? Yeah, he played and sang with them in every class, at school events. That's beautiful. Music became this bridge, a way to connect with them on a deeper level. It's amazing how music can do that, transcend even the most difficult situations. It really is. So, this experience at Klintabjerg's Skolagym, it seems like it prepared him well for what came next. You're talking about his time at Edgby's Skolagym. Yeah. Filling in as a substitute teacher there. It sounds like he really had a gift for working with kids, no matter what challenges they presented. He did. And it's fascinating how these seemingly unplanned detours, these teaching stints, they really left a lasting impact on him. Yeah, it's like life was guiding him towards something. Pushing him outside of his comfort zone, helping him grow. Absolutely. But eventually, he and his family decided to move back to Roskilde. Right. Primarily for their daughter trying schooling. Makes sense, putting family first. Always. But even back in familiar surroundings, it seems Paul-Eric couldn't resist taking on new challenges. Not at all. He jumped right back into community work, this time at Ring Parkins, Fritted's Og, Underm's Club, and Undermen's Huss. Back to working with kids and teens, that's heartwarming. It is. It shows a real dedication to giving back to his community. So, what was he doing in these roles? A bit of everything, really. He ran a bicycle workshop, teaching kids how to fix up their bikes. Oh, cool. He led woodworking projects, helping teenagers explore their creativity. It sounds like he was a one-man community center. He really was. Always willing to lend a hand, to share his skills and knowledge with the younger generation. And I bet he snuck in some music whenever he could. Oh, I'm sure. But then, and this is where things get really interesting. Okay, I'm listening. He decides to open a bicycle shop. A bicycle shop, seriously? Yeah, it seemed like that workshop at the youth club sparked something in him. A hidden entrepreneurial spirit? Maybe. So, how did it go? Did his bicycle shop thrive? Well, he talks about the challenges of running a small business. Yes. The long hours, the financial struggles, the constant hustle. It's tough being your own boss. It is, and unfortunately, the bicycle shop didn't quite pan out the way he'd hoped. Oh, that's too bad. It is, but even in the face of this setback, he doesn't dwell on the negative. That's good. He focuses on the lessons learned, the experience gained. That's the right attitude to have. It is, it's all part of the journey, right? Absolutely. So, what did he do after the bicycle shop closed? He went back to community work, this time at Tostrup Med Borgerhus. Tostrup Med Borgerhus. It's another community center, and he takes on the role of sous chef. Sous chef. Wait, like in a kitchen? Was he cooking up a storm? Uh-huh, no. Okay, good. It seems sous chef in this context means something more like assistant manager or event coordinator. Ah, that makes more sense. He was involved in organizing all sorts of activities. Like what? Concerts in the cafe, performances in the main hall, cultural events, you name it. Wow, he was really keeping busy. He was, and he even helped develop a cultural exchange program with Baltic countries. That's impressive. So, he wasn't just organizing bingo nights and bake sales. Not at all. He was bringing people together through culture, fostering international understanding. That's fantastic. It really highlights his commitment to community building, his vision for creating something special. And I bet his musical background came in handy when planning those concerts. Oh, I'm sure. But after a while, all those late nights and travel, it started to take its toll. Yeah, I can imagine. So, in 1995, he decided to make a change. Okay, what did he do? He took on a dual role at AOF, teaching both music and, wait for it, IT. IT, wow, that's a surprise. What prompted that shift? Well, remember all those earlier teaching experiences? Yeah. It seems those skills, that ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging way, they translated well to the world of computers. I see, so he was teaching people about computers. Exactly, primarily unemployed HK folks, people who had previously held clerical or administrative positions. Okay. He helped them get their PC driving license, a certification that was becoming increasingly important in the job market. So, he was empowering people to adapt to the digital age, to gain new skills and find new opportunities. That's exactly it. But then, the dog skull law changed, and that had a negative impact on the program. What a shame. It is, but Paul Eric, being the adaptable guy that he is, he rolled with the punches. So, what happened next? What new paths did life unveil for him? Well, it's funny how things work out sometimes. Yeah. He bumps into his old friend, Michael, on the train one day. Michael, I was wondering when he'd reappear in the story. It seems like fate, or maybe just the Danish train system, had a plan for them to reconnect. I love that. What happened next? Well, Michael mentions that the pedagogical seminary where he works, which is basically a teacher training college, they needed help with their F-site. Ah, so Paul Eric, with his newfound IT skills, he stepped up to the plate. Exactly, he offered to help out, no problem. What a guy. And this small act of kindness, it led to something much bigger. Really? Tell me more. The rector of the seminary, Espen Juerling, he was so impressed with Paul Eric's work. Yeah. And Michael's recommendation, of course. Of course. Gotta give credit where credit is due. Right. So, Espen offers Paul Eric a position as an IT consultant. Talk about a full circle moment. Music brought them back together, and now it's indirectly led to this amazing opportunity. It's incredible, isn't it? The interconnectedness of life. I love it. So, what was Paul Eric doing as an IT consultant? Well, the Pedagogical Seminary was going through a major transformation, merging with other institutions to become University College Jalent. Wow, a university, that's huge. It is. And Paul Eric's role was to support faculty from different departments, like teacher training, nursing, social work. Okay. Helping them integrate IT into their teaching practices. So, he was on the cutting edge of educational innovation, bridging the gap between technology and pedagogy. Exactly, it was a challenging but rewarding role. I bet. But I have a feeling he didn't let all those computers and technical jargon completely overshadow his love for music. You know, Paul Eric, he still found ways to bring music into the workplace. Of course he did. He played and sang at staff meetings, birthday celebrations, festive gatherings. He never missed an opportunity to share his passion. Never, and it seems like people really appreciated it. I bet they did. Music has a way of bringing people together, creating a sense of community. It does. And now we're approaching the final chapter of Paul Eric's story. Already. Wow, time flies when you're having fun exploring someone's life. It does. He mentions that he retired eight years prior to this presentation. Eight years, that's a well-deserved break. It is, but even in retirement, he's still finding ways to connect with music. Oh, I'm not surprised, what's he up to? Well, he's picking up the guitar again. Really? Especially for this presentation. Wait a minute, is he performing with Michael after all these years? It certainly seems that way. This is amazing, it's like a full-blown reunion concert. It is, and if you discount those brief periods when life pulled them in different directions, they've been making music together for 58 years. 58 years, that's incredible. Talk about the enduring power of friendship and the unifying force of music. It's truly inspiring. So now that we've journeyed through Paul Eric's life, from those early days in Ringparken to his unexpected detours and his enduring passion for music. Let's dive into the songs he's chosen to share during his presentation. Each one must hold special meaning for him, offering glimpses into his heart and the memories that have shaped him. Ready for a musical journey through Paul Eric's soul. Absolutely. Let's go, okay, so what's he opening with? Dit Listener over Grace Felt. Oh, I love that one, it's such a classic. It is. Perfect choice to kick off an evening of storytelling and music. Exactly, it sets the tone, you know. Yeah, a sense of hope, optimism, new beginnings. It really aligns with Paul Eric's story. All those twists and turns, unexpected detours. And then he throws in Den Gammel's Scare Slippers Sang. Oh, that one takes me back. It's like a warm hug, so comforting. It's a beautiful song. It is, it speaks to those traditional values, hard work, resilience. Those are themes that really resonate throughout Paul Eric's life, aren't they? Absolutely, and then there's Mormor's Kalani Havius. What a charming title. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What memories is he evoking with that one? Is it about his childhood, spending summers at his grandmother's house? It's possible, it definitely has that nostalgic feel to it. Yeah, those carefree days, surrounded by family. And then he shifts gears a bit with Live Street. Live Street, that's a powerful one. It is, it's more introspective, thoughtful. It's like a metaphor for life itself, all its complexities, its growth, its interconnectedness. It could also be a reflection of his own journey, his musical evolution, his personal growth. Right, the ups and downs, the challenges overcome. And then, because life isn't always sunshine and roses. Right. He includes Regrier's Dog in November. Oh, that one always makes me feel a bit melancholy, but in a good way. It's like acknowledging the shadows, the darker moments. Yeah, but also finding beauty in them, a sense of hope, even on those gloomy days. Exactly, and it makes me think about the challenges Paul Eric faced, like his time at Klint-Tebjerg-Skolosium, working with those difficult children. Or the financial struggles he endured with his bicycle shop. Right, those were tough times, but he persevered. He did. And then, to remind us of the importance of human connection. He brings in Venisang. Such a fitting tribute to his friendship with Michael. It is. Their bond, forged through music, it's lasted a lifetime. It's truly heartwarming. And to wrap it all up, he closes with Barndenmansland. Ah, back to where it all began, a nostalgic journey to the landscapes of childhood. It's like he's inviting us to revisit those formative years and ring-barking with him. Yeah, to see the world through his young eyes, to understand the roots of his passion. And depending on how much time he has left, he might even throw in Himmelhunden as a bonus track. Oh, Himmelhunden, that's a fun one. It is. A bit more light-hearted, playful. Perfect way to end the evening on a high note. Exactly, it's like a little reminder to embrace the joy and wonder in life. Well, what an incredible journey this has been. Paul Eric's story is a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected, finding joy in the simple things, and letting passion guide your path. Absolutely, he's shown us that life is full of surprises, detours that lead to unexpected growth, and connections that enrich our souls. His story reminds us that it's never too late to pursue our passions, to learn new things, to connect with our communities, and to make a difference in the world. And above all, it highlights the enduring power of music, its ability to connect us, inspire us, and bring joy to our lives. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into the remarkable life of Paul Eric. We'll be back soon with more captivating stories and unexpected discoveries. Until then, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep the music playing.