Ghost Hymns
Yellow Dog, 2023
8/10
The Americana/roots guitarist William Lee Ellis brings his blues, folk, bluegrass and world music flavor to these 12 authentic tracks that welcome a variety of guests.
“Cony Catch The Sun” starts the listen with Ellis’ distinct guitar playing and smooth, soulful singing, and “Flood Tale” follows with plenty of rhythm and warm harmonica in the quicker delivery.
Further on, “Earth And Winding Sheet” is quite intimate, where a dreamy atmosphere is quite stirring and welcomes strings from Brooke Quiggins (violin), Ben Lively (violin), Matt LaRocca (viola) and John Dunlop (cello), while the raw “Lost Heaven” segues into Ellis’ very pretty yuequin and guitar playing.
Landing near the end, “River Of Need” has Ellis playing six and 12 string guitars, Ebows and aslatua for the very calming album highlight, and “Bury Me In The Sky” exits with a very rich appeal that spotlights KeruBo’s gorgeous voice, Hannah Assefa’s fiddle and Larry Nager’s bass.
Ellis was named after his godfather, the bluegrass legend Bill Monroe, and his father was the revered banjo composer Tony Ellis. He brings that background and a lifetime of skill to a very wise, soothing and old time demeanor that will resonate for decades to come.
Travels well with: Taj Mahal- Savoy; The Duke Robillard Band- They Called It Rhythm & Blues