• Juliet Lloyd: All Dressed Up
  • Bad Ronald: Rad Ronald
  • Kate Bush: Hounds of Love
  • MF Doom: MM.. Food?
  • Brandi Carlile: Brandi Carlile
  • Lewis Black: The Carnegie Hall Performance
  • The Clash: London Calling
  • Van Morrison: Astral Weeks
  • Candice Jarrett: Powerful Beyond Measure
  • The Bens: The Bens (EP)
  • Tuesday, June 27, 2006

    Ellis Paul: The Speed of Trees

    Like the masses, I was introduced to Ellis Paul as his music played in the Jim Carrey/Renee Zelweger vehicle, Me, Myself, and Irene. He'd been around for a while before, but got some major recognition from that.

    Then there was a lull. Hadn't heard anything from him, until about two years ago, when the guy was playing at a coffee house/church in Marblehead, Ma. For 10 bucks, I had a nice, intimate venue. He played for 2 hours, joined everyone afterwards for coffee and cookies, and was a pleasant, approachable musician, happy to talk his trade with anyone who would listen or wanted to share.

    Being obsessive compulsive, I went out and started buying his music. Speed of Trees was my first album.

    Paul's pop-folk instrumentation, in conjunction with his soft, emotive voice, creates a soothing, wonderful sound that is both relaxing and enjoyable. The only thing that is disturbing about him is, that, from some angles, I *swear* he looks like Liam Neeson. Then again, if the worst thing you have against a musician is that he looks like a Jedi Master, you must be doing ok.

    Maria's Beautiful Mess kicks off the album, slowly, softly, but with great, intimate sound; a musician and their guitar, what is better? Give In, Give Up makes wonderful use of an electric guitar in a folk setting. Roll Away Bed is a fun, pop-sounding tune about a the singer sharing a bed with someone who doesn't share so well. Breaking Through the Radio has a great, open-roads kind of feel; one listen and you'll agree.

    In the end: Ellis Paul is a great, if well-kept, musical secret. His folk sounds, mixed with some pop and rock sensibilities and warm personality create a sound, a musical environ that makes you like his music and want to hear more.

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    1 Comments:

    Blogger Unknown said...

    Dear Adam,

    As someone who’s written wonderful words about the great music coming from singer songwriter Ellis Paul – first I’d like to tell you thank you. I’ve been Ellis Paul's friend and manager since 1992 and his music, words and friendship are jewels in my life. Upon examining the state of the music industry, Ellis and I have realized that far and away the most important connections that we have are not at all on the business side of the equation – it’s the people that love Ellis’ music. They’re more important than the biggest retailer or the most powerful radio station - so we’re starting a campaign to empower the people. Ellis’ new album “The Day After Everything Changed” was completely funded by his fans and is one of the finest he’s ever recorded. Many of Ellis' fans and folks passionate about great songwriting don’t even know that it’s been released. So if you’d like to help support a truly independent artist – here’s how. The lead single track on TDAEC is “Annalee”, and if you go to www.ellispaul.com/free you can download “Annalee” for free. Unlike so many other free song offers – you don’t have to give us your email, sign up or register for anything at all. It’s free for the taking. The small favor we would ask? Please share it with any and all of your friends that would enjoy Ellis’ music. This would help our efforts and help spread the music. This truly is a campaign about the power of the people in the support of independent music and artists.

    Please stay in touch.

    And thank you.

    Ralph Jaccodine, Manager

    3:11 PM  

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