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From Coast To Coast,
the Glenn Hughes Electronic Fanzine
Based out of San Diego, California, Ellis is made up of Stacey Ellis (lead
vocals, bass), Brett Ellis (guitars) and Mike McFarland (drums). With this release,
the band delivers their third outing and so the appropriately titled album was
eagerly awaited by my CD player!It kicks off with "Looking For Love"
an Ellis trademark song. Stacey delivers at full throttle accompanied by Brett's
smoking guitar riffs. After the track is over I hear myself saying, "Is this
really a power trio?!?!" Next up is "Slide" probably the most melodic
track on the CD, it showcases Brett's classical guitar work and Stacey compliments
it with some stunning harmonies. (Sigh back to reality) "Have You Seen Her"
is a bluesy funk track I think you would all agree is "screaming for audience
participation"! "Mash Taters" is a bluesy instrumental which sounds
more like a sound check which never seems to take flight. "Superstition"
is a fine rendition of Stevie Wonder's classic song my only gripe is that I've
heard it covered too many times and perhaps they should have had Glenn participate
on this one too! "Empty Pockets" is MASSIVE, plain and simple, Stacey
shows off her full range on this one and delivers the ultimate in a vocal performance.
Brett's guitar work is just amazing and highlights both his acoustic and electric
talents. The chorus is a classic and if one track is the price of admission, then
this it! "Couldn't Make Her Stay" - a beautiful instrumental dedicated
to Dave Peverett of Foghat who recently passed away. Lots of jazz influences inside,
Brett yet again, shows his versatility. You melt on this one, like being on a
beach staring up at the blue sky watching the day go by, but then suddenly a twist
and a turn and you're jumping up and down getting into the groove of the day!!
"Growing Wise", a wonderful duet with Glenn Hughes - Stacey and Glenn
deliver an unforgettable performance. They have some real chemistry on the softer
moments of the song, but are both given the opportunity to show off their vocal
talents to the full. Let's hope we hear more of the same from the two of them
in the not too distant future."Grace", wow yet another musical direction.
What a great jazz number proving that Ellis's middle name is, Diverse! Nice keyboard
work and vocal gymnastics highlight this wonderful song. "Use Me" starts
out slow then proceeds to punch you in gut at its conclusion. A very acoustic
and "Heart-like" guitar passage leads you through to a classic hard
rock guitar break and accompanying solo - great stuff! "Happy To Be Cool",
a lovely and catchy song with a superb chorus, not surprising since Glenn collaborated
on it! Once again Brett delivers the goods with some awesome 70's-like sounding
guitar riffs. "Throwing Stones", an upbeat get up off your seat rocker!
Hendrix/Stevie Ray riffs throughout, you 'gotta love it. This is another "must
play" in their live show, I feel the sweat already!! "Cold North",
the album closer is an ever moving ballad, the guitar work shines throughout.
You have it all here with haunting vocals, power riffs and violin highlights.
It brings the CD to a wonderful ending, and leaves you begging for more.Throughout
the album Mike McFarland provides solid drumming and easily accomplishes the required
highs and lows with such a diverse set of material, I especially like his work
on "Happy To Be Cool" and "Throwing Stones".
In closing, this is one hell'uva CD and should be considered a "must have"
for your collection. Ellis has demonstrated their diversity with this project,
there's something for everyone inside. Metal, classic hard rock, the funk, blues,
jazz and the ever important ballads.
What are you waiting for, get your copy - NOW! 
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