Thursday, February 19, 2015

MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: TINSLEY ELLIS - TOUGH LOVE

I always like blues with some soul mixed in, and Ellis stakes out a fine blend between the two.  The Atlanta guitar whiz mixes it up too, with slow heartbreak (In From The Cold) or smooth grooves (Seven Years). Through it all, Ellis flames up the proceeding with sharp and fluid guitar lines.

Midnight Ride is a particular gem, with a good-time rhythm being cooked up by the band, and Ellis playing two distinct solo lines throughout, dueling with himself.  Give It Away sees him switch to dobro, coaxing some hurt out of those rattling strings, with a mellow feel.  With a voice that manages to be both gruff and friendly, and a big variety of sounds over the ten original cuts, Ellis gives you lots to chew on, and never settles into blues repetition.

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