Kate Ellis — Spirals
Born in Louisiana, raised in New York and now based in London, Kate Ellis has returned with her second album ‘Spirals’. The black and white photograph on the album cover was taken by Dave Watts with Ellis looking in a reflective mind-set as the sun beats down.
Opener ‘Can’t Not’ deals with someone being trapped in even though the relationship is gone. The lonesome pedal steel from Chris Hillman blends beautifully with Luke Cissell’s violin/viola and Joseph Paxton’s violin.
‘Bluebirds and Rye’ was written by Ellis as a letter for her daughter and the emotive lead vocal is brought to the forefront by John Reynolds’ clever production. The song ‘Wonderland’ paints images of trees, gardens and birds singing as Graham Kearns mixes both electric and acoustic guitar. Interestingly, the song was released as a collaborative piece with Geraldine Van Heemstra to inspire change for the COP26 summit regarding climate change.
Andy Hobsbawm penned ‘Scars’ to be a dysfunctional love song about the fine line between love and hate in relationships. John Reynolds provides a rhythmic drumbeat with Clare Kenny’s solid bass creating a rowdy bar vibe just like in the film ‘Roadhouse’.
The title track allows Kate Ellis to detail the moment when you are wandering around your head but you eventually find a way out. The rich backing vocals courtesy of acclaimed Irish singer Pauline Scanlon adds real depth to the song as it travels with its odd time signature 7/4, 6/4, 3/4 and 4/4 throughout.
Closer, ‘The Story You’ve Been Told’ includes this lush keyboard from Thomas Collinson as Ellis takes on this lullaby hushed voice.
In conclusion, the topics of mental health, the environment and family are all used to tell the listener how Katie Ellis copes with the world around her. Whilst I acknowledge the talented musicians and emotive delivery on the album, it didn’t completely connect with me personally. However, if you enjoy the works of Rachael Sage, Alison Krauss and Gretchen Peters (especially her ‘Hello Cruel World’ album) then give ‘Spirals’ a spin.
Kate Ellis’s sophomore album ‘Spirals’ is released on Friday 18th February 2022 on River Rose Records. For more information visit: www.kateellis.com
Jo Harrop – Beautiful Fools (Single)
Jazz vocalist and songwriter Jo Harrop will release her new album ‘ The Path Of A Tear’ in June 2024. The first single to be taken from the album is called ‘Beautiful Fools’.
Joanne Shaw Taylor – All The Way From America (Single)
British blues-rock artist Joanne Shaw Taylor has had a steady stream of single releases in 2023 “Sweet ‘Lil Lies’, “Black Magic” and “Wild Love” through Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records.
RHODES – Toothpaste (Single)
Hertfordshire-raised, London-based singer/songwriter RHODES first captured everyone’s attention with a series of EPs leading up to the release of his acclaimed 2015 debut album Wishes (via Sony Music).
Phoenix Lake – Fractured Wings (Single)
Phoenix Lake are a melodic metal four-piece from Nottingham, United Kingdom and they have recently released their new single ‘Fractured Wings’.
Steve Balsamo – Snow Angels (Single)
Vocalist and musician Steve Balsamo has been very busy in 2023 with not only his his solo music and collaborative projects but also his work with Grand Ambition at the Swansea Grand Theatre in Swansea, South Wales.
