Soul Express CD Review ELLIS HALL: – The Spirit Lingers On … And On (US Ellis Hall, 2005) The Spirit Lingers On – Temptation – Got The Fever – Keep Your Life Straight Ahead – This Will Last Forever – Why Should I Care – Nothing Can Bother Me Today – Sunny Days – Victorious – What Will I Do – So Deep In Love – Patiently Not only is this album a breath of fresh air it is beautiful in its sheer simplicity, artistry and has its power in the simple, uncomplicated approach to its arrangements. Ellis Hall has a powerful repertoire of songs on this album, and an impressive pedigree behind him to boot. Ellis, of course has served up some delicious offerings over the years – the one that springs to mind most is his impressive version of “What Does It Take” on Kenny G’s “Duotones” album back in 1985, and “Suzanne” by 101 North back on Valley Vue in 1988. Most of this CD is simply Ellis’ raw, powerful, soul ripping testifying vocals and his piano. I am tempted to liken this man to the late, great Ray Charles. Believe me, this is no boring album. I love it to pieces, and it also happens to contain my track of the moment, too which will definitely appeal to lovers of quality, making out music. The opening song complete with cheerful, jazzy piano and handclaps allows Ellis to showcase his ample vocals, with some great backing singers and tambourine to complete the joyous mix. There is something very 80s about this, and its all in the vocals. I love this to death, and what a way to sweep away the cobwebs of a glum day at work! This is very much gospel influenced by style, but there is definitely no preaching here – indeed “Temptation” displays some wickedly balanced themes handled expertly with some very neat lyrics. He’s holding on longer than I ever could. As Oscar Wilde once said, “I can resist everything except temptation”! The jazzy rolling piano and wistful vocals edge on the blues for “Got The Fever”, and nice it is too. Similarly do we feel a bluesy overtone with the superb “Keep Your Life Straight Ahead”. I have never truly understood or liked blues, but after hearing this CD properly many tracks could fall under that banner, and now I fully understand the lyrics from that early 60s Stevie Wonder tune which says “I call it pretty music, but old people call it the blues”. Stevie understands, and I think I am so doing now. “This Will Last Forever” will appeal more to the more soulful ear out there, and I cannot fault the music at all. Vocally Ellis is spot on, and like a number of songs one can hear the sheer love, energy and creativity being pummelled into the tinkling ivories. I would say that Ellis is one of the most restrained yet emotionally expressive artists I have yet come across. This is a seriously strong track, as is the wonderful “Why Should I Care” which has blinding lyrics which are very important to how life is, and how we look at it today. Again, Ellis is an artist head and shoulders over many on the scene today. His depth of thought is all too evident and his talent is clear. The opening salvo of “Nothing Can Bother Me Today” is straight out of Take 6’s excellent style. This vocal beat box effect, piano and soaring, happy, uncomplicated vocals are amazing. This is just great and I think that if this song does not raise your spirits up then there must be something wrong with you! If you’re still not quite there, the finger-popping gaiety of “Sunny Days” will definitely boost your energy levels, as will “Victorious”. Believe me, I was a right grouchy old thing today but this has really gone some way to getting me out of that rut. Anyway, I was reminded of Brian McKnight with the gentle “What Will I Do” which is, I feel, an aural departure from the previous songs on the CD. The understated backing tune and guitar actually speak volumes, giving some weight to the old adage that sometimes less is more. Now, I have come to what I consider my track of the moment – the year? – which is “So Deep In Love”. I was blown out of the water with this song. Wow, how beautiful is this record?! It grabs me right in the gut and chokes me up, and not many tracks nowadays do this, folks. This song is so soulful it hurts, and the whole feel is QUALITY late 80s / early 90s soul resplendent with synth, guitar and – programmed – drums. My God, I cannot stop playing this track – it really is one of my highlights for 2005. If only we had more material like this. It would not be out of place on, say, a Gerald McCauley produced album. Please take a visit to CD Baby and take a serious listen. If you love your ballads and love jams as much as I, then you just need this CD in your collection TODAY! This is an unbeatable track, but the finale “Patiently” works very nicely and tops off what is for me an essential, different and very sophisticated album. - Barry Towler Albums of the Month in 2005 Albums of the Month in 2004 Albums of the Month in 2003 Albums of the Month in 2002 Albums of the Month in 2001 Albums of the Month in 2000 Albums of the Month in 1999 Albums of the Month in 1998 Albums of the Month in 1997 |
