Robert Ellis Performs Tonight at Stubb’s Indoor Venue
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I’d noticed that Houston, Texas native Robert Ellis once described himself as “just another guy on a lost highway.” It made sense. The songwriter has a way of taking you along on the journey with some heart-spun portraits to share along the way.
I’ve mentioned before that I’d seen Ellis do a solo performance at Flipnotics on Barton Springs early last year. And before that, I’d met him through The Lovely Sparrows frontman Shawn Jones at Salvage Vanguard Theater, just after he joined the Sparrows for a brief stint. Both times left an impression. The striking thing about him, in addition to his talent, is his genuine air. Ellis is a fresh talent with an old soul, equally inspired by the likes of George Jones and Paul Simon as he would be by Bill Callahan or roots quartet Dawes. He’s just as connected to contemporary musical influences as he is to classic ones.
Ellis’ second album, Photographs (2011), is a sincerely downhome blend of traditional country and mellow folk-rock, keeping it simple and straightforward lyrically. There is absolutely no hint of pretension. Ballads, porch songs, and twang, all done with delicate subtlety and beauty.
You have the perfect opportunity to see Ellis tonight at Stubb’s indoor venue, 801 Red River. Get there around 9 p.m. Recommended.
And hats off to you, sir. Well done.
Podcast: Download (2.2MB)
