35 years in, Ely still enjoys the challenge

After releasing his latest album, “Satisfied at Last,” in 2011, Ely called it one of his best albums. Now he needs to top it.

“It’s been a process for me right now,” he explains during a recent phone interview. “I’ve been trying some new songs out in my shows to see how they fare. I do hope to have an album out by summer because it’s coming together well.”

Putting out albums is nothing new for the guitarist. With nearly 25 albums and more than 35 years in the music business, Ely knows his way around a recording studio. He has had a genre-crossing career, performing with Bruce Springsteen, Uncle Tupelo, Los Super Seven, The Chieftains and James McMurtry, in addition to his early work with The Clash and more recent acoustic tours with Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt and Guy Clark.

Yet, it’s when he’s in the studio that magic happens.

“There’s something really great about being in a studio,” he explains. “It’s a time for me to be the most critical of myself. I usually go into the studio and record easily. It’s the editing process that is really demanding. I’m my own most difficult editor.”

	Joe Ely With Joe Pug WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, March 2 WHERE: Route 66 Casino’s Thunder Road, 14500 W. Central HOW MUCH: Free

Aside from a solo career, Ely is also a member of The Flatlanders, which includes Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock.

When it comes to the trio, Ely says the process is totally different.

“It can be difficult going between the two,” he says. “With the trio, we’re all songwriters so there’s not the pressure of writing alone. I try to learn from all the different dynamics while in the studio.”

After his many years in the industry, Ely finds it amazing how different music can sound to various people.

“That’s one of the best mysteries,” he explains. “You could have identical twins in the room and play a song. Each one would pick it apart a different way.”