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Translucent Soul
Ellis Paul
Philo 11671-1200-2
Philo/Rounder Records
One Camp Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
A review written for the Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange
by Virginia Wagner
(anvilrcrds@aol.com)
There are many unexpected twists and turns in Ellis Paul's
latest effort, TRANSLUCENT SOUL, a collection of songs that examine the dissolution of his
marriage, among other themes.
In Take Me Down he plaintively declares, "I've never been so
lonely as when I told you I was leaving." You can almost hear his footsteps on the
stair that leads to the street as you are swept into the rhythms of the song. His vocals
clearly convey the burden of loss in many of the tracks without becoming overwrought.
It is a haunting assembling of emotion embedded in a lush production by
Jerry Marotta, who also plays various instruments throughout.
Track 6, Did I Ever Know You, shines with Paul's beautiful acoustic
guitar and the majestic bass of Tony Levin, known to many through the music of Peter
Gabriel. The song is a curious mix of folk and jazz, but in the end, is pure soul.
The title track, Translucent Soul, is a joyful blend of melody and
voice which provides an interesting look at the racial colorblindness of true friendship.
The lovely Dar Williams appears as background vocalist in Angel in
Manhattan, a song that examines faith and the workings of unexpected grace. And everybody
knows that angels are welcome companions while riding in cabs in New York City.
Ellis Paul succeeds in granting his listeners a furtive look into an
aching heart. His abilities as a poet and his excellent musicianship are well-balanced,
and this album will certainly increase his already considerable fan base.
There's a very special surprise on TRANSLUCENT SOUL, so stick around
while they fold up the chairs.
Track list:
Take Me Down
I'm the One to Save
Seven
She Loves a Girl
Bring Me Backwards
Did I Ever Know You?
Live in the Now
The World Ain't Slowing Down
Angel in Manhattan
I Won't Cry Over You
Translucent Soul
All Songs by Ellis Paul
Edited by Roberta B. Schwartz
(rschwartz@oeb.harvard.edu)
Copyright 1999, Peterborough Folk Music Society.
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