World-renowned Atlanta-based guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Tinsley Ellis recently celebrated the release of his first-ever solo acoustic album, Naked Truth, with a live solo acoustic performance at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis.
Steve Satzberg was there to photograph the show!
The following article is adapted from a press release.
Naked Truth, released on Alligator Records, 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 for Ellis, known for his blistering electric guitar work, but for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues.
“This is a record I’ve always wanted to make, and one that my longtime fans have been asking for,” Ellis said.
Watch the official lyric video for “Devil in the Room” by Tinsley Ellis on YouTube:
Since his first Alligator album in 1988, Georgia Blue, Ellis has gone from local Atlanta club favorite to become an internationally touring blues rock giant, performing hundreds of nights per year. Mega-star guitarist Joe Bonamassa calls Ellis “a national treasure.”
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. On March 31 at Rams Head on Stage, he performed these powerful songs solo with an acoustic guitar.
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. 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.
With Naked Truth, Ellis will bring his music directly to his fans. “Two guitars and a car,” he said of the simplicity of his North American touring situation. “When folks come to see me, I’ll have the guitars I used on the record with me, so what fans hear on the album is what they’ll get live. It’s not easy. Now I’m the whole band and there’s nowhere to hide. It’s scary every single time I go up on stage alone. But nothing could be more honest.”
Here are some photos of Tinsley Ellis performing at Rams Head on Stage on March 31, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
