Photo by Gabriel C. Pérez
Robert Ellis might actually be a space cowboy. At least, it appeared that way as he drifted into Studio 1A in a custom made space-themed nudie suit. However, this young Houston singer-songwriter brings it back down to earth the moment he opens his mouth to sing like a young Willie Nelson.
Deeply rooted in country and songwriting, Ellis finds ways to weave creative melodies with lyricism that is often painfully real and beautiful. He breathes a new life into a genre that is timeless in itself. It’s also obvious to hear that members of the band are no slouches either, as they revived Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris”and dove into an overdriven psychedelic jam on “It’s Not OK”.
Now, Ellis is about to release his fourth full length studio album, “Robert Ellis”. Apparent from the album title, the songs themselves present a very self-aware consciousness from Ellis. Due out this Friday, June 3rd, it should be a great release with beautiful country, pop and cosmic layers for the early summer starry nights. You can catch Ellis play an in-store at Waterloo Records this upcoming Friday, June 3rd, at 4pm. Or, you can see him play back-to-back nights at 3Ten Austin City Limits Friday and Saturday, June 3rd and June 4th.
-Will Maxwell
