A fiery guitarist and talented songwriter who plays a unique blend of Memphis R&B, southwest blues, and urban funk. Collection includes: Hell Or High Water (2002); The Hard Way (2004); Moment Of Truth (2007); Speak No Evil (2009); Red Clay Soul (2016); Winning Hand (2018).
This four CD collection however represents the first phase of Ellis's solo career when he acted as leader or co-leader through an era which is generally considered the great man's glory years. Featuring eight stunning and extraordinary albums released originally between the mid-1950s and mid 1960s, this compilation provides both a perfect starting point for newcomers and a welcome reminder of Herb Ellis's musical prowess and creative flow for everyone else.
Three Phenomenal Guitarists From The Famous Door Record Label. The three enjoyable straight ahead jazz sessions that are reissued in this package have several things in common. They have been out-of-print for years, they are led by talented guitarists who are stimulated by the presence of two other major soloists, each date fatures a quintet that includes swinging bass and drum team, and all of the projects came about due to the guidance of producer Harry Lim, a true friend of Jazz…
Two electronic artists from the western US, Craig Padilla and Paul Ellis, join forces to create 72 minutes of enjoyable electronic music. Echo System is clearly inspired by the classic 70's electronic synth masters (Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, etc.) However, rather than simply imitating the pioneers, Padilla and Ellis draw inspitration from them, infusing their own distinct styles, and adding depth and interest to an all too often two-dimensional musical form. Craig and Paul spent two years fine-tuning Echo System, and it is sure to appeal to long time fans of electronic music. Definitely a must for fans of Padilla or Ellis' previous works, and a great introduction to those discovering either of them for the first time.
The Great Guitars' fifth and final recording with their original three guitarists (Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel) is another excellent effort, although a bit lazier than their previous records. Bassist Joe Byrd and drummer Chuck Redd contribute tasteful support. Other than "Get Happy," most of the selections (which include "Where or When," "Opus One," "Old Folks" and even a soulful "When the Saints Go Marching In") are taken at slow to medium tempos, but the interplay between the guitarists is always impressive and swinging.
The Great Guitars' fifth and final recording with their original three guitarists (Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel) is another excellent effort, although a bit lazier than their previous records. Bassist Joe Byrd and drummer Chuck Redd contribute tasteful support. Other than "Get Happy," most of the selections (which include "Where or When," "Opus One," "Old Folks" and even a soulful "When the Saints Go Marching In") are taken at slow to medium tempos, but the interplay between the guitarists is always impressive and swinging.
Digitally remastered and expanded two CD edition of one of the most popular reggae LPs ever released. Alton Ellis is one of the most influential artistes in the history of Jamaican music. During a recording career that spanned some five decades, Alton Nehemiah Ellis wrote and recorded some of the most popular and influential ska, rock steady and reggae recordings of all-time. After making his debut in 1960, the immensely talented performer swiftly established a reputation as one of Jamaica's most popular and revered artistes, recording a catalog of hit singles, most notably for Duke Reid's famed Treasure Isle Records. In 1973, a dozen of the singer-songwriter's Treasure Isle tracks were gathered on Mr. Soul Of Jamaica - a best-selling LP, which concurrently saw issue in the UK as Greatest Hits. This seminal album forms the basis of this indispensable set, which also contains the remainder of Ellis's Duke Reid-produced output from the mid-'60s onwards, with the bonus material including a host of long-lost rarities and previously unissued alternate takes!
Coming as it did between two of Don Ellis' greatest records (Autumn and At Fillmore), New Don Ellis Band Goes Underground was a disappointment. The dozen concise performances are generally overarranged, the solos are too brief, and the melodies (with two exceptions) are not memorable. The ridiculously complex "Bulgarian Bulge" and "Eli's Coming" (which would soon join the repertoire of Maynard Ferguson) are the standouts, but the other R&B-oriented material, which often has so-so vocals by Patti Allen, is quite forgettable.
A unique new album of poetry and music featuring Marianne Faithfull, set to the music of Warren Ellis, and featuring Nick Cave, Brian Eno and Vincent Ségal.
The debut album by Alabama-born soul singer Ellis Hooks is a breath of fresh air on the blues and R&B scenes. For starters, Hooks' songs and sound are entirely unaffected by modern notions of sterility and restraint, or even worse, revivalism. These 13 songs burn with the same fire that the great Southern soul and R&B tracks did from the days of yore – without sounding like them. With producer Jon Tiven – who, along with wife Sally, also co-writes with Hooks – the singer has crafted an entirely upstart outing, one that touches upon Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding, but feels like one of the gritty New York streets Hooks has busked upon. The brokenness and hope that lie in the rough grain of Hooks' voice in "Everything's Falling Around Me" feel as much like a prayer as a wish for transcendence, supported by the biting chunkiness of Sally Tiven's popping bass strut and Jon Tiven's knotty six-string fills. Hooks goes into the groove and lets it cover him; he's singing to the heavens, but also to anyone else who is in earshot and can provide help.