Ellis Nominated for 2024 Blues Blast Magazine Awards
Blues Blast Magazine has just announced the nominees for their 15th Annual Blues Blast Music Awards. These awards honor blues musicians both established and up-and-coming in a wide variety of genres.
Tinsley is nominated in two categories. Ellis said he is "Very grateful to be nominated for Blues Blast Magazine Awards in the Acoustic Blues Album and Acoustic Guitarist of the Year categories."
To cast YOUR vote now, go to Blues Blast Magazine's Official Voting Form.
relix - "Video Premiere: Tinsley Ellis Covers Son House on Solo Acoustic Debut, ‘Naked Truth' "
"Today we premiere the official video for his [Tinsley's] version of Son House’s “ Death Letter Blues.” Ellis explains, “Son House’s ‘Death Letter Blues’ is one of the greatest delta blues songs of all time. It has been the centerpiece of my acoustic performances for a long time. Eddie 9V’s gritty, low fi production gave it the perfect hard edge. On this song I’m playing my 1937 National O series steel resonator guitar with a brass slide.”
To read more go to relix Magazine
Alligator Records Announces Tinsley's Debut Solo Acoustic Album
On Friday, February 9, 2024, Alligator Records will release Naked Truth, the first-ever solo acoustic album from world-renowned Atlanta-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis. The new album is steeped in the folk blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and even Leo Kottke. To the casual fan, this might seem to be a new direction, but for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues.
“This is a record I’ve always wanted to make, and one that my longtime fans have been asking for,” he says, noting he’s included an acoustic mini-set in his concert performances for years. In the last 12 months, Ellis has already performed over 100 solo shows, many as co-bills with his Alligator label-mate Marcia Ball. “I’m having so much fun playing these shows,” he says.
On Naked Truth (his 21st album), Ellis swaps his blistering, guitar-fueled full band workouts for equally passionate, soul-searching acoustic folk blues. His famed guitar chops and musical creativity are on full display throughout the album’s 12 songs, including nine newly written originals.
Naked Truth was produced by Ellis, with the foot-stomping cover of Son House’s Death Letter Blues produced by Atlanta roots musician Eddie 9V. The album was recorded live in the studio using Ellis’ beloved 1969 Martin D-35 (a gift from his father) and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. Whether intricately fingerpicking the Martin or playing hair-raising slide on the National Steel, Ellis delivers each song with unvarnished intimacy.
