Tinsley Ellis - Album Review - EU Jacksonville 7/5/07

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moment of truth

by rick grant
rickgrant01@comcast.net

Artist:
Tinsley Ellis

Title:
Moment of Truth

Release Date:
06.26.07

Label:
Alligator Records

      Tinsley Ellis has just released his first studio album in many moons. I recently spoke to my longtime friend about his busy career on the road. He said that it was difficult or impossible for him to write on the road, but he jots down ideas in a notebook that he carries everywhere with him.

      Moment of Truth is a 12-song collection of Tinsley’s best writing to date. The work stays true to Tinsley’s concept of Southern Rock framed in blues. There are no fillers or studio fabrications on this album. It’s pure Tinsley – featuring a collection of innovative guitar solos, Tinsley’s ballsy-but-clear voice, and a succession of memorable grooves.

      The album opens with the Cream-like tune ‘Say Too Much,’ built on a modified version of Cream’s ‘Sunshine of My Love’ guitar riff. It opens the door to the rest of Tinsley’s out-front vocals and master-blaster guitar work. Pop it into the CD player, turn it up and enjoy the ride.

      Tinsley’s blistering wah-wah guitar opens ‘Get To The Bottom,’ a song about a dude on a downward spiral to the bottom of life, “When you get to the bottom...they’ll be nobody by your side.” Strangely, it brought back memories of seeing Eric Clapton’s first tour with Blind Faith. There is no rhyme or reason for this unconnected memory spark, but certain material triggers weird memories, especially when that material is so deftly composed and the songwriting is so rich and textured.

      This album is trademark-Tinsley, playing with firm conviction and passionate emotional feeling. Yes, his guitar “gently weeps” and wails with the pain and joy of living the life of a gypsy musician, always away from home, cranking out the gigs in one no-name joint after another. Set up, tear down, then drive – sleep is rare. Only the most dedicated musicians can sustain a long tenure in this business.

      “You may hate me now, but you may thank me someday...so go ahead and find your own way,” Tinsley sings on ‘You’re Gonna Thank Me.’ And we thank you, Tinsley, for giving us this grooving 12-song collection. Man, I‘m still digging your last live album Highway Man. Play on brother! I’m with you in spirit.

      Tinsley will be performing at Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit & Blues Bar (located at 1500 Beach Boulevard) on July 7th at 9 pm.

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