Ellis

"[Ellis'] sixth full-length recording is her deepest soul journey to date...the musical accompaniment glides by so smoothly it’s easy to absorb Ellis’ messages of hope."

"Ellis is the kind of person you want to be making music. Great voice, confident guitar playing, these are just the kind of talented things that could be wasted, but is wisely put to use here."

"Break The Spell is rich in substance of lyrics, music and emotion as well as Ellis' trademark vocal style."

"If you ever have been mesmerized by a performer, you will know what it feels like to see Ellis live."

"...Kevin Cook came back...raving about Ellis’s performance and songwriting workshop, calling her one of the most charismatic people he’d ever met...then when now-local touring musician Arthur Lee Land brought her name up in December, I finally got the message."

"Production-wise, the disc is a noticeable step up from previous discs, offering dramatic turns on piano, organ and electric guitar in songs such as the opener "How Would It Be" and the antiwar song "City on Fire." But it doesn't sacrifice Ellis' stark appeal. These are actually some of her most intimate songs yet."

"Ellis is a bold voice for change who doesn't shy away from controversial topics, yet the songs she sings are written with great empathy for her fellow human beings. She knows how to laugh and does so, freely. Her performances are a joy because she enjoys herself so thoroughly. Ellis says that her song writing springs from an attempt to understand life."

"Ellis, though, is in a class by herself. This folk-rocker, while always full of passion in her songwriting and live shows, has matured into a charismatic performer over the past 10 years."

Ellis: I hope for more people to hear my music. I feel fortunate in the community and the collaborations I have been a part of so far. It's sort of selfish because it fills me with such joy. I have such a drive for it because I really do care. The non-competitive aspect of the Song School guarantees community with your peers.

"If there's one show I've been looking forward to seeing for months, it's the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival preview tour with Red Molly, Pat Wictor and Ellis. (That's Ellis over there on the right.)"