Album Notes

"Amazing Grace", is Sydney's second recording project. By the very nature of the songs, this is a Gospel and Spiritual CD. Why this type of CD? Sydney's first organized singing experiences were in the youth choir in her church. So Sydney's beginnings were there. "But why Gospel-Spiritual CD?" This was the question Sydney and Kevin asked themselves when they first discussed the possibility. The conclusion they came to was two part: One, based on what they were hearing in the current G-S music and thinking many were missing something important in the music.

Second, was what they concluded they could bring to the music. Both Sydney and Kevin had always believed there exists an inseparable link between Blues and G-S music. So with this in mind they approached the music not as though they were G-S songs, but Blues and Classic Jazz songs.

"Didn't It Rain", an up tempo shuffle with solos by Frank and Hollis. The arrangement is distinct by the expansion of the breaks that precede the solos and the length of vamping Sydney does prior to the breaks. Lots of energy.

"Precious Lord", is a slow and soulful song. Frank's solo shows respect for the overall feeling of the tune and is well played, Hollis' solo is as soulfull as Sydney's singing and blends well with each other.

"Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho", is an up tempo, hard diving version with influences from Rosetta Tharpe. They really cut loose with this one.

"Nobody's Fault But Mine". This is the second time Sydney has recorded this song. It first appears on the "Goin Home" CD; however, this arrangement is completely different. Slow and very soulful. It brings out the sadness and remorse in the words and the solo from Hollis is one of the many high points on the CD.

"Walk All Over God's Heaven", this up tempo shuffle is a real hand clapper. Frank really swings the piano on the breaks and Hollis' solo is classic Blues shuffle phrasing and timing.

"Motherless Child", slow, sad and soulful. The intro by Hollis sets the mood for the whole number. Sydney's lower alto range suites this number very, very well. The ending is Hollis doing what he does best, playing a melody line.

"Canaan Land", this up tempo, rock drum groove pushes and drives.

"Swing Low Sweet Chariot", another slow and mournful number, focusing on the melody, space and feeling.

"He's Got The Whole World In His Hands", another hand clapper, in a classic rendition.

"Trouble Of The World". The original recording date for this album had been postponed because Sydney had a severe cold, after two hard days of recording the wear and tear on Sydney could be heard in this number. This condition seem to add to the feeling in this song. Rather than clear operatic notes and tones, Sydney, due to the very emotional feeling in the words and the ragged edge her voice was in, enhanced the feeling of extreme sorrow, exhaustion with life and it's troubles. The number as a whole has a very slow dark movement and feeling to it. On just about any other day Sydney could hit clearer and cleaner notes and tones, but the question would then be, "Would it have the same feeling of pain and exhaustion in it?". Sydney will record this song again someday and then we will find out.

"Amazing Grace", Sydney, a'capella followed by Hollis, all by his lonesome. It doesn't get anymore basic than that.

For Booking Information contact:
Kevin Post at Sydney Ellis Management
SydneyEllis@AOL.com