55
Rosella, 2023
8/10
The esteemed folk artist Ellis Paul has enjoyed a 3 decade career, and he celebrates that accomplishment with 12 new songs penned when he was 55 years old and in the midst of a global pandemic.
“Cosmos” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar and Paul’s very expressive, poetic singing that makes for a highly emotive landscape, and “Who You Are” follows with Abbie Gardner’s dobro and backing vocals providing much beauty in the dreamy delivery.
In the middle, Radoslav Lorkovic’s graceful keys are met with vivid storytelling in the mature climate of “Holy”, while “Gold In California” benefits from Tiberius Logic III’s agile violin and Seth Glier’s soulful backing vocals in the rich album highlight.
Close to the end, the lush “Sometimes Trouble Is Good” welcomes Mark Dann’s strategic bass via the busier folk-rock, and “A Song To Say Goodbye” exits with intimate piano from Paul, Logic III’s dreamy flute and Laurie MacAllister’s soaring backing vocals.
Paul suffers from Dupuytren’s contracture, a disease that closes the fingers into a fist very tightly, which of course can make it difficult to play guitar. Thankfully, his hand is opening up, and he’s out there playing shows to support this excellent 23rd recording of his timeless folk sensibilities.
Travels well with: Peter Mulvey & Sistastrings- Love Is The Only Thing; Mark Erelli- Lay Your Darkness Down