"I want my music to hold up a mirror to life. And in life there are happy times and sad times. So my Blues is sometimes happy and sometimes sad. But even playing the sad songs makes me feel better. Music has been my salvation."

Tinsley Ellis: The Naked Truth of The Blues

On Friday, February 9, 2024, Alligator Records will release Naked Truth, the first-ever solo acoustic album from world-renowned Atlanta-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis. The new album is steeped in the folk blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and even Leo Kottke. To the casual fan, this might seem to be a new direction, but for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues. On Naked Truth (his 21st album), Ellis swaps his blistering, guitar-fueled full band workouts for equally passionate, soul-searching acoustic folk blues. His famed guitar chops and musical creativity are on full display throughout the album’s 12 songs, including nine newly written originals. Naked Truth was produced by Ellis, with the foot-stomping cover of Son House’s Death Letter Blues produced by Atlanta roots musician Eddie 9V.                (Tinsley Ellis / Photo by Kirk West)

The album was recorded live in the studio using Ellis’ beloved 1969 Martin D-35 (a gift from his father) and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. Whether intricately fingerpicking the Martin or playing hair-raising slide on the National Steel, Ellis delivers each song with unvarnished intimacy. Naked Truth is a revelation. Stripped of the electric fervor that defined his previous works, Ellis' acoustic music carries a rawness that speaks directly from his soul. The songs unveil another side of Tinsley Ellis, but one that is totally recognizable to his fans. His gruff, full-throated vocals intertwine seamlessly with the bare, acoustic arrangements, creating an album that is both timeless and immediate.

Interview by Michael Limnios                           Archive: Tinsley Ellis, 2020 interview

Special Thanks: Tinsley Ellis & Marc Lipkin / Alligator Records 

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

The main difference has been my increased emphasis on songwriting. I started out as an artist that would record and perform songs by classic blues artists like Freddy King, Muddy Waters and Elmore James. Now my albums including the new “Naked Truth” album are almost all original songs.

You've your first ever solo acoustic album. What touched you from the Acoustic Blues Roots sound/legacy? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album "Naked Truth"?

In the early 1970’s I bought the Robert Johnson album “King Of The Delta Blues”. It became an inspiration for everything I’ve ever done, even all the electric music I’ve played. Around the same time, I bought Leo Kottke’s first album “6 - and 12-String Guitar” which really blew my mind. The styles of acoustic guitar on these 2 albums are represented on “Naked Truth”. I call what I now do Folk Blues.

Since1988, you're an Alligator Records artist. How did that relationship come about?

I came to the attention of Alligator Records owner Bruce Iglauer through the recordings I made with The Heartfixers back in the early 1980’s. After several phone calls with Bruce, he agreed to fly to Atlanta to see and hear me perform in a small nightclub. He like what he heard, and I put out my first album under my own name “Georgia Blue” in 1988.

"I really miss the Blues artists that I first saw. As a young teenager I sat at the feet of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and BB King. Those memories are forever etched into my heart and soul." (Tinsley Ellis / Photo by Darin Back)

Why do you think that Alligator Records continues to generate such a devoted following?

Alligator Records is the best record label that I’ve ever been with. Their recordings sound and look great, and no one is better at promoting American roots music than Bruce and his excellent staff.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What's the balance in music between technique and soul/emotions?

Blues is mostly about passion and emotion rather than technique. Of course, it’s great when a player has both elements (like Christine “Kingfish” Ingram) but passion and emotion will always be more important in my opinion.

I really miss the Blues artists that I first saw. As a young teenager I sat at the feet of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and BB King. Those memories are forever etched into my heart and soul.

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

In the beginning I would tour, and no one knew who I was. It was very discouraging to perform for so few people night after night. It took a long time to build a following. There was no internet back then, and it was a very much word-of-mouth. The first big album I had was “Storm Warning” in 1994. At that point I had already been on the road for 15 years.

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?

I want my music to hold up a mirror to life. And in life there are happy times and sad times. So my Blues is sometimes happy and sometimes sad. But even playing the sad songs makes me feel better. Music has been my salvation.

Tinsley Ellis - Home

(Tinsley Ellis / Photo by Jordan Pilgrim)