Skirt Music Stash -- King Ellis

Review by Johnnie Walker, Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission

 

R&B has a new king – King Ellis! Timeless: Volume 1 is a good old-fashioned soulful album that once again gives credence to the claim that Memphis is the home to some of the greatest musicians in the world! Timeless is a treasure chest of strong songwriting, live instrumentation and sparse production. This album proves less is more.

 

As a former singer with Kool and the Gang, Rodney “King” Ellis has had a great and storied experience as a singer and performer. More recently known for having sung hooks on 8Ball and MJG music, King Ellis has released a new record of his own catchy rhythms. The opening song, “Natural Born Hustler," begins with the vintage sound of a scratchy record, a sign that the whole album has classic soul overtones. Reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, tracks “Victim of My Past” and “Peace of Mind” clearly solidify King Ellis as the new King of R&B! A mid-tempo bedroom romp, this number is about a man pledging his heart to his lady, willing to do whatever it takes and vowing to be forever faithful. It is sure to find its way into the hearts (and CD players) of couples everywhere. Songs like “It’s all About You” and “I Want 2 B Next 2 U” establish Ellis as a leading balladeer. The live recording of “More Than You’ll Ever Know” would make Donny Hathaway proud.

 

With fifteen songs, including two bonus tracks, this album is definitely worth picking up. The material is well-written, astoundingly performed, perfectly arranged and solid from top to bottom … the songs are simply timeless. If you are a fan of soul music, you will certainly enjoy this record.

 

You can buy Timeless: Volume 1 from Amazon.com, but you can also enter to win a FREE CD from this month’s skirt! stash!