Speed of Trees

The production work on this CD is definetly a little slicker and focused a little more towards the "pop" end of the spectrum (whatever that is) than Ellis' past releases. That being said, it is neither over produced nor overly commercial. Instead, I'd say this is a logical step for Ellis and it shows the world that he sounds pretty damn good in front of a tight band. The instrumentation is tastefully done, and I particularly think the mandolin contributes significantly to several tracks. Ellis' song writing is as outstanding as ever, and Speed of Trees constitutes his most accessible work to date. I recently saw Ellis live and can report that these songs stand strong on their own when he plays solo. Particularly noteworthy in this collection is Ellis' reading of Woody Guthrie's God's Promise. This is a powerful song, finally given voice by Ellis (Woody's music, if there was any for this song, was never recorded or written down), and the song reveals a side of Woody that I had never recognized. I highly recommend this CD. If you're new to Ellis' music, this is a great place to start exploring his catalog. And, if you're not new to Ellis' music, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not picking up this release.

'The Speed of Trees' is Ellis Paul's first studio album since the 1998 release of 'Translucent Soul.' With the help of Lucy Kaplansky, Duke Levine, Jennifer Kimball and Dennis Brennan, Ellis takes on a new edge with pure essential songwriting and shockingly gravitating vocals. Paul has ten albums under his belt and has gained national recognition as a clever storyteller. So sure of his abilities has been on tour for over 10 years. His songs have been used in Hollywood movie hits like "Me Myself & Irene" ("World Ain't Slowin' Down" off his 'Translucent Soul' album) and "Shallow Hal" with the title movie soundtrack song 'Sweet Mistakes." Paul ranks along with Bob Dylan as one of the top American folk singers hands down. He should be after listening to his mentor (Dylan) in early years. With this new release containing a newly discovered, unreleased Woody Guthrie lyric, "God's Promise." The song comes at a good time in these times that will move you in some way. It completes a well-rounded out album well.The rest of the songs on the album have their own story reflecting from vivid sketches of strong feelings of his everyday life. These are quite a stunning collection of stories and informal masterpieces of contemporary Folk Americana. Fans will probably enjoy his book, 'Notes from the Road' (and the songs I've sung there) that's filled with his personal accounts of what life on the road is like. He bring together in his book about the American people and places that are quite unique. Paul adds journal entries, sketches, poetry and lyrics. The words is pretty much like his best music put forward. If you like to see Ellis Paul in the comfort of your own home and relish some of his best works in concert his LIVE DVD Collector's Edition of 'Ellis Paul: 3,000 Miles' is available this year (2003). The film features Ellis Paul at the historic Somerville Theatre in his own neighborhood. It's also a documentary chronicling a cross-country road trip with a smashing ending. Plus Ellis gives tips on guitar tuning, and includes interviews with Ellis Paul, Vance Gilbert and Christopher Williams. If you're a first time listener I'd suggest Ellis Paul's 'LIVE' album for starters to get the full effect of his talent. Then try, the 'Translucent Soul,' 'Am I Home' and 'Sweet Mistakes' are among his best.

Ellis writes from the sensitivity of someone who hears all those "between-the-lines" words we've never spoken out loud then, belts them out with intent. On stage, he inserts a dry sense of humor and reflection on all he has heard and seen. Through his songs, you truly understand how rich his experiences have been. It is not that those experiences have been greater than ours; it's that he stopped for a while to explore all their complexity ... and translated them through his lyrics to share with all of us.I had the pleasure of seeing him perform songs from this CD live, in Larchmont, NY just prior to this release. He is truly remarkable. He's real and tangible and not afraid of expressing himself."Sweet Mistakes" has been a particular favorite of mine from a previous album. But, when I heard "If You Break Down" I was blown away!!! In "Words" one simple line says, "Your eyes make me humble" While I was listening, I was thinking, "your singing makes me humble."I would compare his abilities/caliber to those of Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Peter Gabriel, and Sting.I could not recommend a CD more highly. I would also encourage you to catch him live. He plays smaller cafes, taverns, restaurants - where he can talk and relate to his audiences in a very personal way. His performance reflects warmth and generosity ... and unprecidented humility, relative to his undeniable talent.DO buy this CD ... and buy a couple for friends!If you've been a fan of Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, October Project, Counting Crows, Pirates of the Mississippi (ya, "Feed Jake" was awesome") ... go for this!