Ellis Paul Say Something CD

Songs don't get any more haunting than "Conversation With a Ghost," the opening cut of Say Something. The aching simplicity of the musical arrangement allows the emotions to wash over the listener with ease. If the cries of the violins tugging at its strings don't break your heart, then certainly the tender acoustic melody or the honey-dipped harmonies of Patty Griffin will. With that as his first statement, Ellis Paul reels you into his world. Cut from the storytelling cloth of songwriters, Paul counts Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell among his biggest influences and heroes. Much like these legends, he has a way with tales, setting them into melodies with a certain finesse not present in many young artists. Paul seems sure of himself and comfortable in his craft, shining most brightly on songs like "Friday Night," "Washington D.C. 5/91," and "Thin Man" that stand tall with only his voice and acoustic guitar as support. Bill Morrissey helms the production and Jonatha Brooke and Jennifer Kimball of the Story raise their shimmering voices to herald the presence of Ellis Paul on this solid and honest debut release from 1993. ~ Kelly McCartney

Recorded at Soundworks, Watertown, Massachusetts. Includes liner notes by James Rotundi.

The Players: Ellis Paul- vocals, guitar Seth Conally- bass Johnny Cunningham- violins Montego Swain- harmonicas Brian Capouch- guitar Bill Conway- drums (appears courtesy of Rounder Records) Geoff Bartley- guitars Jon Svetkey- guitar and vocals Bill Morrissey- 12 string guitar (appears courtesy of Rounder Records) Duke Levine- electric slide guitar Paul Rishell- national steel guitarBackground Vocalists (in order of appearance) Patty Griffin(appears courtesy of Ear Candy Records) Jonatha Brook & Jennifer Kimball(The Story-appears courtesy of Elektra Records) Ellen CrossProduced by Bill Morrissey Engineered by Brian Capouch Recorded, mixed,mastered at Soundworks, Watertown, MA Graphic Design by Ellis Paul and Nancy Given Photography by Gregory Wostrel CD photo by Jeffrey Fox "Wayland-based singer songwriter, Ellis Paul has the kind of voice that makes the heavens radiate with harmony. The winner of the Boston Underground competition in 1991, Paul first attracted attention through his recordings with the songwriter cooperative, End Construction Productions. Paul's solo debut, produced by Bill Morrissey, shows why he's become one of New England's fastest-rising-artists. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and joined by such musicians as Johnny Cunningham (Silly Lizard, The Raindogs) on violin and Geof Bartley on guitar, Paul reflects on both the boredom of small towns ("Look at the Wind Blow") and junkies, prostitutes, and crime lords of the city ("New Light On Your Halo"). Paul is at his best, however, during romantic ballads, melting the coldest heart. Vocalists Patty Griffin, Ellen Cross and The Story (Jonatha Brooke and Jennifer Kimball) blend smoothly with Paul's tenor, providing a warmth that makes even a potentially hard-edged tune, like "Angel," about a teen-aged junky, sound optimistic.-Craig Harris February 18, 1993

Personnel: Ellis Paul (vocals, guitar); Jon Svetkey (guitar, vocals); Brian Capouch, Geoff Bartley (guitar); Bill Morrissey (12-string guitar); Duke Levine (electric slide guitar); Paul Rishell (steel guitar); Johnny Cunningham (violin); Montego Swain (harmonica); Seth Conally (bass); Billy Conway (drums); Patty Griffin, Jonatha Brook, Jennifer Kimball, Ellen Cross (background vocals).

Dirty Linen (4-5/93, p.61) - "...Ellis Paul has the kind of voice that makes the heavens radiate with harmony....[SAY SOMETHING] shows why he's become one of New England's fastest-rising artists..."
Sing Out! (11-12/94-1/95, p.122) - "...The pacing between loud and soft, fast and slow songs resembles a Bill Morrissey album, which comes as no surprise since Morrissey produced, and did it superbly..."