Tawny Ellis
Album: Ghosts Of The Low Country
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: http://www.tawnyellis.com

'Ghosts Of The Low Country' is one of those 'pleasant accident' recordings. On tour and heading by the renowned Fame studios inspired by the Muscle Shoals documentary, Tawny Ellis and husband/collaborator Gio Loria, a chance meeting with Rick Hall led to an invitation to do some recording. A case of finish the tour, write the songs, pick up musicians on the way - very rock and roll in approach but very country in execution. Indeed, the word kismet has been justifiably bandied about.

The four songs have an intense yet downright easy country feel. Tawny herself is co-writer on two songs, the title track sticking safely with all the elements of with reedy Hammond organ and pedal steel to the fore and a relaxed and tranquil vibe - a song which she feels is even one of the best she's written despite the challenging nature of its conception. Of the two cover tracks, it's tempting to roll out the old chestnut of 'Desperate Tonight' being so laid back it's almost horizontal, while 'Walkin' After Midnight' tends towards a more bluesy feel with a slow shuffle nudging the song along.

For a project which was not quite thrown together but one which made the most of an opportunity not to be missed, there's a quality about the songs which speaks volumes for doing something on the spur of the moment, although being country… on the hoof seems more apt.

Mike Ainscoe