Review: Tinsley Ellis ‘Naked Truth’
By Martine Ehrenclou
Guitar legend Tinsley Ellis takes it to the streets with his first solo acoustic album Naked Truth out on Alligator Records.
Produced by Ellis, he strips back his blistering blues-rock to the folk-blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House and Robert Johnson. And it’s that front porch simplicity that brings forth another side entirely to this acclaimed artist. Almost as if this blues style was lying in wait for Ellis to allow it to emerge without a band to back him up. The album is vulnerable, rootsy and showcases Ellis’ passion and truth fueled by an acoustic setting.
Known as a ferocious guitar player and live performer whose soulfulness is front and center, Naked Truth sees Ellis recording solo with just two acoustic guitars. What emerges is authentic and honest, a collection of 12 songs with nine new originals. Just as much of a beast on acoustic guitar as his electric, edgy blues-rock, it’s as if Ellis opened a window to his soul and spirit on Naked Truth. Through compelling songwriting, riff-heavy slide guitar, and passionate picking, the album lures the listener into a certain fierce rawness.
Over decades of touring, the Atlanta-based guitarist, singer and songwriter included an acoustic mini-set in all of his shows. “This is a record I’ve always wanted to make, and one that my longtime fans have been asking for,” says Ellis.
“Devil In the Room” kicks off the album, a haunting foot-stomping gem played on his 1937 National Steel O Series guitar. A song that tips his hat to the late Col. Bruce Hampton, a close friend of Ellis’, who would tell his musicians just before a show “We’re here to put the devil in the room.”
Ellis switches to his 1969 Martin D-35 (a gift from his father) on another haunting tune, “Windowpane.” Featuring his expert finger picking on a guitar that resonates the most beautiful tones, it’s a spare number, inspired by Skip James. He sings “The Blues are falling, falling down like rain”. And you’re right there with him, staring out the window after a lonely Saturday night.
Produced by Eddie 9V, “Death Letter Blues” follows with robust vocals by Ellis, his energy similar to Son House’s original, complete with foot stomping and slide guitar. Ellis throws himself into this cover and his slide guitar solo just rips.
Naked Truth features both the spare folk-blues that speak their own beauty in the hands of Tinsley Ellis and four instrumentals (one by Leo Kottke) that flood the album with brilliant fingerpicking and melody. Known for his songwriting, the melody and phrasing are key. One of them is the stunning “Silver Mountain.” The way Ellis plays it, you’ll want to crank it loud to take in all the nuanced tones and phrases. The song reveals Tinsley Ellis’ secret weapon—sure, it’s his guitar chops, his soulful voice– but his penchant for melody is so apparent here. And on others like it on the album like “Alcovy Breakdown” and the equally breathtaking “Easter Song.”
A kiss-off song with a dose of humor and groove, “Grown Ass Man” is a fun toe tapper, a definite highlight on the record. It’s as if he’s right there in the room with you, sharing his story about a love gone wrong.
Ellis has brought all the intensity of his rip roaring electric songs to the dialed back acoustic blues such as “Hoochie Mama,” a tune that couldn’t be better for Ellis’ soulful storytelling and blues picking on his D-35. The silence in between the riffs and vocals, is just as powerful as the sounds. It makes you think that Tinsley Ellis lives and breathes the blues, even though his music is much more than that. It sure makes for one heck of a record.
Highly recommended.
Pre-order Naked Truth HERE
“Devil In The Room”
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