CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Tinsley Ellis
“Speak No Evil”
Alligator Records
Over the course of his last few albums, veteran blues-rocker Tinsley Ellis has honed his singing and songwriting skills to match his celebrated six-string prowess. With that said, fans who are initially drawn to his fiery fret work might take pleasure in knowing that the Atlanta native lets his guitar do a little more of the talking on “Speak No Evil.” It isn’t that Ellis’ singing or songwriting on the album’s 12 tough originals aren’t up to par (or that his previous albums lacked Stratocaster firepower). It’s just that “Speak No Evil” is clearly a guitar player’s album as Ellis delivers pyrotechnics reminiscent of Cream-era Clapton on “Sunlight of Love” and “The Night is Easy,” as well as late ’60s Buddy Guy on the title track and shades of Billy Gibbons on “Left of Your Mind.” CV— Michael Swanger
(Tinsley Ellis performs Friday, Nov. 6 at 9:30 p.m. at Blues on Grand. $12.)
Grant Hart
‘Hot Wax’
CON D’OR Records
Former Hüsker Dü drummer Grant Hart keeps a rocking, ’60s garage style throughout his newest disc, “Hot Wax.” From the raucous opening of “You’re The Reflection Of The Moon On The Water,” to the final track “My Regrets,” the album keeps the listener’s toe tapping. Sprinkled throughout are a few softer songs, which I enjoyed, especially “Schoolbuses are For Children” and The Beach Boys–esque “Barbara.” Other standout tracks including “California Zephyr,” “Narcissus Narcissus” and “Charles Hollis Jones.” But the best track on the album was “Sailor Jack,” a rocking tune with a haunting organ that is still stuck in my head. Although Hart’s music will always be compared to his work in Hüsker Dü, “Hot Wax” is a fine little album that should keep fans happy and re-introduce a classic sound to a new audience. CV— Jared Curtis
(Grant Hart performs Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10 p.m. at Vaudeville Mews. $6.)
