Search - Herb Ellis :: Nothing But the Blues

Six String Soul

Ralph Quirino | Keswick, Ontario Canada | 06/02/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Herb Ellis is yet another unsung jazz guitarist. His sides with Oscar Peterson's legendary group added nuance and a subtle shade of soul to already perfect performances. Unfortunately, his often-times subdued playing meant you almost never really heard him play. This exceptional 1958 date, his "first" for a major label, is filled with brilliant playing. And though he doesn't aim for pyrotechnics, the album contains soft-hued pieces brimming with quiet soul and just a hint of his Texas swing roots. The remastering on this reissue is first-rate and brings the recording's nuances right to the fore. And for those of you who (like me) fell in love with his style, there's loads more out there... Ellis deserves a place of honour along with Grant Green, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel and Joe Pass as a genuine genius of jazz guitar. Very easy on the ears, very relaxed riffing, very eye-opening performances. A perfect introduction."

Herb Ellis swings like nobody's business!!!

Christoph K. Bennett | United States | 06/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had played guitar for almost twenty years, most of it wasted on rock 'n' roll. Herb Ellis on this cd, and on Oscar Peterson's "Shakespearean Festival, and "Concertgebouw" cds,turned me to jazz and I've never turned back. He is absolutely my favorite. Despite having played with everyone who is anyone in jazz I've never felt he got his due. He's just incredible. Buy this cd--you'll love it. Buy the Oscar Peterson cds I mentioned above. Buy Herb Ellis and Red Mitchell "Doggin' Around." Seriously, you can't go wrong with anything Mr. Ellis is on."

Nothing but the blues

Rick | CT United States | 07/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""For all his yeoman's duty as Oscar Peterson's guitarist in the Fifties, and the countless sessions he has countributed to since, Herb Ellis feels that this recording is his greatest accomplishment. Flanked by superior improvisers - a sure sign of confidence - such as Roy Eldridge and Stan Getz, Ellis lays down eight varied yet perfect blues tunes (including five originals by him and bassist Ray Brown). And this CD includes four bonus tracks played by a Jazz at the Philharmonic All Stars lineup - including Eldridge, Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and Coleman Hawkins."
-quoted from back of "Nothing But The Blues" CD"