ELLIS HOOKS
Black Market (Unlimited Editions)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Ellis Hooks has one of the most talented voices in the blues. I first discovered his music a few years ago when he was on a European label, but he's found a new home with producer Jon Tiven and they're selling Black Market at Ellis' live shows. There's 18 songs on this blues record that's rooted in traditional Memphis blues, and I hope Black Market gets Ellis Hooks some well-deserved airplay and higher-profile work. Ellis Hooks has a blues-perfect voice with just the right ragged edges. There's five songs that shout out loudly to me with memorable choruses, beats, and stories. "Not Even the Rain" is a solid love song as is "I'm Feeling You," and "Asphalt" tells the story of the men and women who build our nation's roads. The bounce of "Natchel Born Rider" is infectious with producer Jon Tiven on guitar and Sally Tiven on bass. "Don't Underestimate Me" is an assertive song from a confident young man, and there's a lot to like on this independent CD. "Roll 'Em T" is a funny and funky autobiographical sketch as Ellis asks Jon Tiven to roll tape for the next take. It reminded me of Emerson, Lake and Palmer's salute to producer Eddy Offord on "Are You Ready Eddy" from their 1971 LP Tarkus. If more and more blues fans (and radio stations) don't connect with these (and others) on Black Market's heaping helping of 18 cuts of blues, I just might turn my writing pencils into kindling. Black Market is available at Ellis' live shows or by mail at UEL, PO Box 15882, Nashville, TN 37215.

Track List:

Not Even the Rain * Won't Fall Again * Big Black Bulldog * Salt Water * Asphalt * Push Me to My Limit * Trail of Tears * Drive-in Movies * Cobra * Natchel Born Rider * I'm Feeling You * Willie's Home Brew * One Language * I Want You * Set Off Your Charge * Roll 'Em T * Don't Underestimate Me * Down for the Count

© 2005 - Eric Steiner