I do not know why I even bother to think or talk about “it” anymore. The”it” being why folks like Ellis Paul never really make it big main stream, but someone like Brittany Spears is a “super” star. Ellis Paul is certainly very well know in folk and singer/songwriter circles, but you say his name beyond that audience and you get a blank stare.
Robin and I went to see him the other night at a small venue in St. Louis, Off Broadway. Check it out, they get a lot of fairly well know acts through their doors. They have a bar, but the chairs are arranged facing the stage without tables. It makes for an intimate listening experience. This is especially true with folk singers and singer/songwriter types.
Anyway we took an Italian friend who listens almost exclusive to opera. He was very impressed by Ellis Paul’s talent and vocal range. As always his lyrics just blow you away if you listen at all.
If you get a chance to see this man, do so. Besides being a fantastic musician, he is a great entertainer. He seems to enjoy the audience as much as the audience enjoys him. It was fun to watch and listen to the interplay.
Ellis Paul’s website: www.ellispaul.com
His latest CD on Amazon.com – The Day After Everything Changed
I’m sticking with John Prine’s In Spite of Ourselves as “our” song, but this would be a good choice too.
YouTube video of Ellis Paul singing Rose Tattoo