Tinsley Ellis ‘Speak No Evil’

Words by Audra Tracy

What, you don’t know Tinsley Ellis? Dude’s got a dozen albums, he’s played with the Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic, and his newest release Speak No Evil just hit #3 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Still listening? Then check out his thick discography on Alligator Records, it’ll rough ya up with no apologies.

With Speak No Evil, Ellis brings you the sounds of the Deep South wrapped in razor blades and barbed wire. From the first track ‘Sunlight of Love’, he steps up to the mic with the signature gravel in his throat and fire in his fingers – a combination that gives him that natural outlaw swagger. I mean, just listen to the powerful purr of ‘Amanda’ – Ellis is effortlessly badass.

Performing in various bands over the past three decades, the blues hound has managed to maintain a prolific career under the mainstream radar. He may be old school, but he’ll still appeal to the new jam-band audience – songs like ‘The Other Side’ and ‘Rockslide’ will definitely resonate with fans of North Mississippi All-Stars or Robert Randolph.

Atlanta’s own Ellis may be the greatest blues guitarist you’ve never heard of – and it’s high time you two got acquainted.