|
|
From the Northern
Light Web site:
Ellis, E-III, 820860 1778, USA. 2002
The CD opens up with "Looking For Love" built on a groovy beat,
and featuring all the Ellis trademark stuff I have learned to love, like Stacey's
voice full of attitude and Brett's amazing guitar chops and Mike's powerful drumming.
A really good start. We are then taken through the dreamlike "Slide"
with an off the wall arrangement where it takes off in different unexpected directions
all the time - adventurous and fun. "Have You Seen Her" is a typical
Ellis fusion of blues and funk, which bumps and grinds, starts and stops with
howling vocals. "Mash Taters" is an instrumental track sounding like
a rehearsal jam that really doesn't take off, but still with some great drumming
and some timeless guitar bluesy guitar playing. "Superstition" is the
well known Stevie Wonder track, that has been covered to death through the years,
and although it certainly fits in real well with Ellis it's got too much of a
"we've heard it before" vibe. Rock dinosaur Glenn Hughes has showed
a huge interest in Ellis and they have played together live on a few occasions
and on "Growing Wise" he turns in a guest appearance dueling with Stacey
rather than singing a duet. It becomes almost a screeching contest in some places
and it's not that pleasant to these ears. Who let the cats in? ;) There are much
better tracks on this CD. "Empty Pockets" is a huge sounding rocker
where Brett switch back and forth between electric and acoustic guitar to a great
effect. It's obvious he's a fantastic classical guitar player (check their web
site to see that he's released some CDs with classical guitar as well). The dark
and moody vibe of the track sometimes turns into rays of the sun in the beautiful
vocal arrangements of the chorus. Great! "Couldn't Make Her Stay" was
penned by "Lonesame Dave" Peverett of Foghat fame. Peverett died last
year and this instrumental is Ellis' tribute to him. Brett's guitar wails with
that warm timeless vintage sound. Quite beautiful. The jazzy "Grace"
is an example of how Ellis is widening the musical scope and pulling it off beautifully.
"Use Me" is another typical Ellis track, with it's quirky groove and
a general example of their trademark sound. It starts up slow and mellow and then
builds up slowly towards the end. Pretty cool! "Happy To Be Cool" (co-penned
by Glenn Hughes) is another quirky track with a nice chorus and Brett turns in
some tasty guitar licks. "Throwing Stones" is an uptempo bluesy rocker.
On "Cold North" they have thrown in a violin (Matthias Von Herrath)
adding a dimension. It's a slow track about heartache and the mood is captured
perfectly, especially by Brett's amazing crying "Hendrix" oozing guitar
work. Amazing is the word! The production (Ellis and Steve Russell) is clear and
effective throughout.
This tight power trio has become one of my absolute favorites with their two
latest CDs. They have a timeless quality to their sound. They make excellent arrangements
that actually break new ground and takes off into unexpected territory making
it exciting for the listener. Brett Ellis is an amazing guitarist, who's playing
for the song rather than showing off in million-notes-per-second solos. So yes,
Ellis has yet again delivered a delicious CD with all the ingredients I've learned
to love while they certainly has broadened the musical landscape where they roam.
They mix in blues, jazz, classic rock and filter it through their trademark sound.
Definitely two thumbs up!
ELLIS
Ah that's a prime funk - cooking! There's a cool force in the trio of bass
playing siren Stacey Ellis, classically trained guitarist Brett Ellis and drummer
Mike McFarland, a little combo with a big panache and justified bravado. It takes
good guts to cover Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" even if there's a
BECK BOGERT APPICE version to align to. Leaving no doubt in their ability to rock
the joint, ELLIS turn to their old friend Glenn Hughes who Stacey duets with in
"Growing Wise" lush soul. Emotionally brimful, sublime gospel chant
comes forth in the end of "Have You Seen Her" - hot spacious groove,
whatever funky it is, betrays swampy blues tones, clear in two instrumental numbers,
Tommy Bolin-like "Mashed Taters", and "Couldn't Make Her Stay",
written by another great late, FOGHAT's Dave Peverett. Attitude's larger than
life, which doesn't seem an exuberant superlative after listening to no-nonsense
"Looking For Love", foxy lady on the run rather than woman's lament.
"Happy To Be Cool" holds a statement in its threatening bass, then?
Lash and dash, chick on the prawl is swinging "Grace" and slinky
"Use Me" provocation - hellhounds howl wildly, but one step further
lies a true desperation: ignoring majestic nerve of heart-wrecking, wrenching
"Cold North" would be an unforgivable crime. Still, ELLIS have quite
a versatile way of approaching a drama, no reservation of painting "Slide"
with icy music hall strokes outlined by Brett's exquisite strumming that lingers
to "Empty Pockets" to explore the ZEP's "Rain Song" cold harmony
before letting a sling unwind. No wonder, "Throwing Stones" may blind
with its deceptive simplicity until the real verve springs out of tight sonic
knot. Letting it loose to put ELLIS into charts feels long overdue. 
|
