Corridor Buzz | Articles > Minneapolis folk artist Ellis returns with 'Break This Spell'

Minneapolis folk artist Ellis returns with 'Break This Spell'

02-07-2008 | Music

By Brian Thompson

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Introspective, joyful and honest are words that probably best describe Ellis’ style of folk music.

The Minneapolis based singer-songwriter has been recording and performing solo for more than a decade now and this week releases her sixth full length record, Break This Spell. To coincide with the new CD, Ellis is hitting the road and will make appearances at both ends the Corridor this week, first at the Java House in Iowa City Friday morning to record for the WSUI radio show "Java Blend," then for a performance at CSPS in Cedar Rapids Friday night.

Ellis returned to the confines of the studio this time around after recording her last release live at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theatre in Minneapolis. She enlisted the help of Ben Wisch -- better known for working with the likes of Marc Cohn (of "Walking in Memphis" fame) and Patty Larkin -- to record, produce and perform on the CD. Ellis is backed by a number of other musicians (including Cohn’s drummer, Joe Bonadio) who provide some nice, understated accompaniment to Ellis’ acoustic guitar. The most prominent elements are a Wurlitzer piano, drums, and a bit of electric guitar that at times sounds a bit like a pedal steel guitar.

Ellis’ very personal folk music is somewhat similar to other female artists such as Ani DiFranco, Catie Curtis and Melissa Ferrick. Like DiFranco, she also started her own record label, Rubberneck Records, in 1996 to self-release her albums and handle her publishing rights. And there are a few elements that are reminiscent of DiFranco in her music, such as the guitar strumming rhythms heard on a song like "Red Light."

But where Ellis differs from DiFranco is in her songs, which are more relaxed and don’t have the sometimes herky-jerky feel of DiFranco’s work. The vocal style of Ellis is also distinguished by a hushed, clear, and sometimes breathy delivery. She even provides her own backing vocals that add more of an ethereal feel to the music.

Most of the songs on this release are very personal in nature. They deal with joy and love as well as grief and regret. One of the only exceptions is the song "City of Fire," which concerns itself with the war in the Middle East. The songs often have a serious tone though Ellis doesn’t seem to be taking herself too seriously.

Ellis will be appearing at CSPS – Legion Arts, 1103 Third St. SE, in Cedar Rapids, Friday, Feb. 8, at 8 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and available by calling CSPS at (319) 364-1580. She will also appear at the Java House, 211 E. Washington St., Iowa City, Friday, Feb. 8, at noon. Admittance is free. This performance will be recorded for WSUI Radio’s Java Blend program with Ben Kieffer that will be broadcast Feb. 23 and 24.