ROBERT ELLIS IN CONCERT:
Alt-country singer-songwriter Robert Ellis has wowed opening for bands like Alabama Shakes and Old Crow Medicine Show, and he's got big things on the horizon in 2016 with a self-titled album drawing him out for a headlining tour of his own. Ellis masterfully blends country with pop, Americana, and even jazz to craft his unique sound, and his plaintive croon and lovelorn lyrics tie it all together in a powerfully emotional package. In concert Ellis and his talented backing band serve up a veritable master class in fretboard virtuosity, dazzling on guitar, bass, and lap steel while their drummer provides tasteful accompaniment on the skins. Ellis' vocal prowess is matched by his serious fingerpicking skills, and stirring songs like "Only Lies" and "Steady as the Rising Sun" showcase both talents beautifully. With his strong country foundation and penchant for mixing it up with elements from pop and beyond, Ellis is a must-see for country fans looking for a fresh take on their favorite sounds.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Lake Jackson, Texas-born Robert Ellis grew up playing guitar and began performing in 2005 under the name Eyes Like Lions. After gigging around the state for a few years he made his debut as Robert Ellis with the album The Great Re Arranger, a self-released collection of rootsy country tunes. He followed up in 2011 with Photographs, an ambitious effort that incorporated elements of pop and jazz with fantastic resultsóAmerican Songwriter's Magazine named it one of their Top 50 albums of the year. After touring with big acts like The Old 97's and Old Crow Medicine Show, Ellis relocated from Austin to Nashville and began work on his third album. The result was 2014's The Lights from the Chemical Plant, a stylistically diverse collection of tracks that earned rave reviews ("Chemical Plant" landed on NPR's 50 Favorite Songs of 2014). With his anticipated fourth album and a headlining tour slated for 2016, Ellis is ready and raring to share his new material with fans on the road.
