Paul Hostetter (2)

Luthier and multi-instrumentalist. b.: Dec. 2, 1945 in Detroit, MI d.: Feb. 13, 2019 in Mountain View, CA Paul Hostetter has been exploring the breadth of global music since taking up the guitar in 1960 in his native Detroit, where his earliest musical influences included classical music, old jazz, R&B, bluegrass and country, Indian and Greek music. A session player at Motown in the mid 1960’s, he later helped organize the first two Ann Arbor Blues Festivals in the late 60’s, and helped organize the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Washington for its first 11 years. He has toured the US and Europe playing traditional music. He programmed world music on community radio KUSP-FM starting in 1973. He has taught mandolin and guitar at various music camps, and has worked as both a studio musician and producer, including extensive experience in Madagascar where he field recorded and produced several albums of Malagasy music. His arranging, guitar and double-bass playing are featured on the 2005 Grammy award-winning Beautiful Dreamer (The Songs Of Stephen Foster). Since 1970, he has lived in Bonny Doon, CA, where he restores violins and other instruments.