The Storyteller’s Suitcase
Rosella, 2019
8/10
Listen to The Storyteller’s Suitcase
Ellis Paul has a lengthy and esteemed career going all the way back to the late ‘80s, and he’s even produced children’s music, poetry books and still plays 200 days of shows a year.
The Storyteller’s Suitcase, the 20th album from Paul, has the artist getting as intimate as ever, and he’s even taking on producer status for the first time, so we know that we’re getting 100% of Paul’s vision.
“I Ain’t No Jesus” starts the album with soft acoustic guitar and warm, hushed vocals from Paul, and “You’ll Never Be This Young Again” follows with an upbeat spirit where backing vocals and crisp percussion complement the affair. Further along, “Kiss Me ‘Cause I’m Gone” and “Scarecrow In A Corn Maze” are cautious folk inspired tunes, the latter recruiting calm keys, and the former carrying an easily accessible pop-rock setting.
The back half of the listen remains strong with the acoustic guitar fueled “How You Say Goodbye”, the sparse “Five Alarm Fire On The 4th Of July”, and the introspective “Mammoth”, where subtle piano adds greatly to the mood. “Election Day” ends on an optimistic note, as Paul’s singing hints at hope in the rhythmic protest song.
An album with vivid storytelling and an eloquent execution, Paul proves that he’s as relevant as ever here, and his songwriting chops appear to only get better with age.
Travels well with: Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World; Patty Griffin- American Kid