Tinsley Ellis: Naked Truth
It took Tinsley Ellis 40 years to get around to it, but, for his 21st album, the blues singer-songwriter and guitarist—who long ago established himself as one of the consummate badasses of the genre—has made a solo acoustic album. Naked Truth is the perfect title for it too because Ellis, who has never resorted to tedious blues clichés or pandering, puts all of his cards on the table here: He has always been transparent and direct and isn’t about to start changing that course now. Nine of the dozen songs here were written by Ellis, the others come from blues greats Son House and Willie Dixon, and Americana precursor Leo Kottke. Throughout, Ellis goes straight to the heart of the song sans accompaniment; he’s got the skills to ride solo, but more important, he’s still got the hunger. “Devil in the Room,” the opening tune, is one of Ellis’ own, a stomper dominated by gut-busting slide guitar. “That evil stare/ Oh I better beware,” he sings. “I’ll dust my broom/ You put the devil in the room.” You won’t doubt for a minute that he means it. “Grown Ass Man” romps along determinedly like a good boogie should: Ellis, in a voice touched with just enough grit, puts a different spin on the old see-ya-later: “Oh, it’s sad but it’s true/ I got nothin’ left for you/ Oh, you just can’t stand serious love from a grown ass man.” As his fans might expect, Ellis’ guitar work is always as honest as what he’s singing; never show-offy or slick, just the right licks and always in service of the song. Having long ago proven himself a first-rate bandleader, now Ellis lets it be known that he’s just as mighty when no one else is in the room.
