Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
4 stars out of 4
Tinsley Ellis comes storming back with a vengeance after his ill timed
Capricorn debut "Kingpin" in the year 2000 didn't fare so well. The
album had a poor showing in retrospect to his highly successful career.
Capricorn closed their doors shortly after he released the album,
proving there is a lot to be said of the age old adage "Timing is
everything." Well with that history now written its time to write
some more, and on a new page. "Hell or Highwater" is an authoritative
answer to that one blemish upon his recording career. Ellis has never
recorded a dud as far as I am concerned, and on this recording he
really smokes it, telling all within listening distance that he is
back. This is the first album for Tinsley on the outstanding blues
and jazz label Telarc. Yup, it looks like Telarc roped in another
ex Alligator Records alumnus. I really must tip my hat to those folks
at Telarc, their aggressiveness in signing all the premier artists
they can on a regular basis is admirable.
Get ready for some different sounds from Mr. Ellis this time around
blues lovers. Hang on tight though, as he still rocks as he always
has. He gives it the fiery axe treatment on the title track and opening
cut "Hell Or High Water" and on "All I Can Do." Then a knock you on
yer ass tune called "Ten Year Day" sets the record straight and gives
notice that the man has never let up or left, the last outing was
a mere anomaly. This album has a cool and calm rhythm and blues feel
to it with some nice organ and piano to give everything more substance
and feeling. Ellis has never lacked in emotion and feeling in his
music mind you, he just takes those feverishly strong aspects one
step further with some added taste. The closing track sounds like
it belongs on a different album, what a change. "Set Love Free" is
a lovely acoustic number with a "Ten Years After" 60's bluesy sound
to it. Although it may come as a surprise, I think it's an excellent
song showing how much he is capable of when he spreads his wings a bit.
When you get right down to it Tinsley Ellis has always has had the
upper hand on his career and his music. This release is another strong
testament to his resiliency and talent. Now listen up! Come hell or
high water… if you love da blues as much as I do, you had better get this, got it?
1. Hell or High Water (Ellis) - 4:59
2. Hooked (Ellis) - 3:47
3. Mystery to Me (Ellis) - 5:36
4. Love Comes Knockin' (Ellis) - 2:21
5. Stuck in Love (Ellis) - 6:38
6. Real Bad Way (Ellis) - 4:00
7. All Rumors Are True (Ellis) - 4:11
8. All I Can Do (Ellis) - 4:08
9. Love Me by Phone (Ellis) - 5:21
10. Feelin' No Pain (Ellis) - 8:03
11. Ten Year Day (Ellis) - 4:39
12. Set Love Free (Ellis) - 3:00
Meet The Band:
Tinsley Ellis - Guitar, Vocals
Kevin McKendree - Organ, Piano
Kenny Kilgore-guitars
Phillip "Philzone" Skipper-bass
Scott Callison-drums
Donna Hopkins-background vocals
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