Scott Ellison Skyline Drive

Scott Ellison
Skyline Drive
Red Parlor Records

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, singer-songwriter-guitarist has this new release of blues and blues-rock that exhibit his gravelly vocals and energetic guitar. Others playing on this recording include Chris Campbell on lead and backing vocals, Ron Getman on guitar, Casey Van Beek or Jon Parris on bass, and Robbie Armstrong on drums. Ellison wrote or co-wrote all twelve songs, many in collaboration with Chris Campbell.

This recording opens with a shuffle "I'm Missing You," with some searing blues-rock guitar and subtle piano. The rhythm section helps provide a relaxed groove on a nicely paced performance. Like most of this recording, this has a standard lyric about relationships, and Ellison's crusty vocal is welcome. I live about an hour from Skyline Drive in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. I have no idea if Ellison is referring to this or another place in the title track. "Skyline Drive" is a marvelous track with a romantic lyric, a jazzy, loping feel, and an ingenious guitar solo before it fades out. Not as appealing is the graveling vocal, distorted blues-rock guitar, and somewhat ponderous rhythm on "Something About You." Given some fascinating wordplay, a lighter hand in performing this would have made this song stand out. The surging groove helps frame the urgency he sings with on "Obsession." David Bernston's harmonica and Ron Getman's slide guitar add to the attraction of this track.

"I'm All Wound Up" is driving bluesy rock'n'roll some rollicking piano and Getman's slightly frenzied slide guitar while "Women Got a Hold on Me" is a low-key, stripped-down solo acoustic performance. "Breath Underwater" is a nice bluesy rock tune with interesting guitar interplay between Ellison and Getman. Ellison intensely sings about a breakup on "The Blues Got a Hold On Me," followed by hints of 'Dust My Broom" on the frantic slide guitar and groove on "Overwhelmed."

Ellison crafts engaging songs, and he performs with energy and passion. There is a nice variety of material and musical settings, and this entertaining recording will have considerable appeal for those whose tastes lean towards blues-rock.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here Scott Ellison sings "The Blues Got a Hold On Me."