Search - Ellen Robinson :: On My Way to You

The variety of material and moods covered in this album captures the essence of Ellen Robinson: her impeccable timing and clever phrasing; her expertise in telling the story with all the warmth and vulnerability she can muster, and at the same time making it sound oh so easy and effortless; her ability to identify and dig up those rare gems, expanding our knowledge of the repertoire?this is what Ellen is all about. From the humor of the reggae?ized Let?s Do It to the profound message of Abbey Lincoln?s Throw It Away, couched in a funky New Orleans back beat and spiced up by Harvey Wainaple on soprano sax?Ellen covers a lot of territory. She draws us in as she soars on Randy Newman?s poignant Feels Like Home from the soundtrack to the movie "Michael", beautifully arranged and accompanied by pianist Ben Flint with some tasty drum work by Andrew Eberhard. Beatles fans are in for a real treat with the surprising inclusion of I Will played with a Brazilian feel, an idea conceived by Ellen. Producer extraordinaire Bud Spangler and Ellen just had to include "their song" Give Me the Simple Life. This was the tune they first played together in1997 (Bud?s an accomplished drummer as well). Ellen?s treatment is laid back, joyous and swingin?. She and the band get inside How Deep Is the Ocean, built around the bass pattern of John Shifflet, slowing it down to a pace that reminds us what this timeless standard is all about. Ellen?s own That Song You Left Unsung, inspired by a wise mentor she had many years ago, will speak directly to those of us in midlife crisis. It chronicles her own story resulting in this marvelous recording. The disc concludes with the title track On My Way to You, a beautiful ballad she wraps her relaxed, bluesy sound around as she caresses each note.