Album Notes

On her sweeping and magnificent ambient vocal debut Songs of Ascent, El Paso-based singer and performer Ellen M. Wilson draws upon the inspiring words and wisdom of the ancients.

Collaborating with producer and arranger Scott Leader, one of the country’s most sought after performers of original Jewish rock and folk music, the multi-talented vocalist—whose sound has been praised by many as “angelic” and “ethereal”--transcends all cultural and religious boundaries with rich and colorful interpretations of ten compelling songs.

This CD has received praise from listeners and critics alike. Sam Glaser has praised this CD, saying: “Your songs sound amazing!! Clean, clear, heartfelt.” Joyce Vissell RN, MS and Barry Vissell, MD, authors of The Shared Heart, The Heart’s Wisdom and Meant To Be have said, “What a beautiful CD! Joyce and I love it. There are so few CD’s where every song is uniquely touching. Thank you. We’ll recommend it wherever we can.”

In Feminist Review, T. Tamara Weinstein’s glowing review included these words: “ Songs of Ascent is a balm that rarely comes packaged in CD form. The compositions are all based on Jewish liturgy, but the arrangements and message transcend religious affiliation.”

Musicians Paul Anderson, Jack Sterbis, Scott Leader, Robbi Sherwin, Joel Gottschalk, and Michael Levin join Ellen in performances that capture the ruach of classic contemporary rep by composers Sherwin/Leader (“Modah Ani”), Debbie Friedman (“Eil Na R’fa Na Lah”), Craig Taubman (“Shir HaMa-alot”), Leader (“Pitchi Li”), Shefa Gold (“Mah Gadlu”), Jeff Klepper and Dan Freelander (“Adonai Oz”), Julie Silver (“Shir Chadash”), and William Tiep (“Oseh Shalom”). “Healing Song” by Larry Lesser has its premiere on the album.