With each new recorded song, with each new album, Sydney Ellis expands her boundries and definitions. Tug river draws from some of Sydney's favorite Blues people.Including Willie Dixon, McKinley Morganfield, The Cheathams, Jimmy Reed. Sydney also includes one of Edward Ellington's tunes, a Preston Foster song as well as one of her own songs, Tug River Blues, plus a tune by Gary Davis and Elmore James. Many of these songs Sydney has been performing live for over 10 years. With Tug River comes the return of guitar to the ensemble adding an essential sound and feel to the arrangements of the songs.
"Twenty-Nine Ways"; This is a classic 12 bar shuffle and one of the songs Sydney has been singing since the beginning of her career in 1991. Solos are guitar and tenor sax. The ending comes from Sydney singing it live to audiences.
"Spoonfull"; One of Mr. Dixon's best songs. Sydney, through her unique arrangement of it really captures the attitude and feel for this song.
"Shake Your Money Maker"; It would be difficult to imagine Blues without Elmore James. It would also be difficult for Sydney to not include at least one Elmore song on an album like this. The adaptation of the lyrics were actually created by Sydney's oldest granddaughter "Sydney" while she was on tour with her grandmother several summers ago.
"I've Got To Use My Imagination"; Some songs are just great songs. Gladys Knight brought out the character of this song in her own way, as did Bobby Bland and now Sydney.
"Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On"; Kansas City Blues is one of Sydney's favorites and in current times there are none better that the Cheathams. This is one of their's.
"Great Change Since I've Been Born"; This song is a regular in Sydney's Gospel concerts and her Blues concerts.
"Tug River Blues"; This was written for and about Sydney's grandmother Hester. She is missed by Sydney everyday.
"I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues"; One of Sydney's favorites, this one frequently appears in her live show.
"Rollin & Tumblin"; Sydney altered the original lick a little to bring a different feel to the groove on this tune.
"You Hurt Me"; Sydney pushes the limits on this hit by Little Willie John.
"Baby What You Want Me To Do". This is another song that Sydney has been performing live since the beginning of her singing career.
"Just Like I Treat You"; Again, drawing from her live concerts, Sydney loves to sing this song.
"I've Got My Mojo Working"; This funk version is Sydney's favorite version of this song. It is also one of the songs she has included in her concert program for years.
For Booking Information contact:
Kevin Post at Sydney Ellis Management
SydneyEllis@AOL.com
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