Translucent Soul

Translucent Soul

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Introspective both lyrically and sonically, this is Ellis Paul's most personal recording, distinguished less by scenes and stories and more by a laying bare of his own fears and desire-fueled visions. "Think more about the future / When change brings your past to an end / Use your love like a suture / That's a good place to begin," Paul whispers, wry and ethereal. "Bring me backwards / I can't fool time / I'm walking in circles / I've committed no crime," he sings elsewhere. While the softness of his delivery is evocative in small doses, these frequently intense songs would profit from more vocal bite. But producer Jerry Marotta demonstrates a light, lush touch with percussion, and Tony Levin's melodic bass and Bill Dillon's guitar sympathize with Paul's interrogation of his own soul. Those familiar with Paul's material may be surprised by the gravity of these songs, but the focus makes this his most emotionally involving and artistically serious effort to date. --Roy Kasten

Tracks:

Take Me Down
I'm The One To Save
Seven
She Loves A Girl
Bring Me Backwards
Did I Ever Know You?
Live In The Now
The World Ain't Slowin' Down
Angel In Manhattan
I Won't Cry Over You
Translucent Soul
Bonus Track 1

Amazon.com

Introspective both lyrically and sonically, this is Ellis Paul's most personal recording, distinguished less by scenes and stories and more by a laying bare of his own fears and desire-fueled visions. "Think more about the future / When change brings your past to an end / Use your love like a suture / That's a good place to begin," Paul whispers, wry and ethereal. "Bring me backwards / I can't fool time / I'm walking in circles / I've committed no crime," he sings elsewhere. While the softness of his delivery is evocative in small doses, these frequently intense songs would profit from more vocal bite. But producer Jerry Marotta demonstrates a light, lush touch with percussion, and Tony Levin's melodic bass and Bill Dillon's guitar sympathize with Paul's interrogation of his own soul. Those familiar with Paul's material may be surprised by the gravity of these songs, but the focus makes this his most emotionally involving and artistically serious effort to date. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Magical connection.......2005-02-16

I did not discover the music of Ellis Paul till the summer of 1998.
Since then, I have enjoyed every song and have taken every opportunity to hear him play live.
Translucent Soul takes the listener on a very personal journey. It shouldn't matter who you are or where you're from, these songs take you to the same magical place. Tracks like "The World Aint Slowin' Down" are transforming. When it hits you just right, it can mean everything. James Green, author of "If There's One Thing I've Learned."

still my favorite Ellis Paul CD.......2002-06-10

This remains my favorite Ellis Paul CD, even though it is now four years old....it is still the one I prefer when I need someone to simg me to sleep after a difficult day. His beautiful voice is at its best here, its most unencumbered and clearest as he sings these twelve beautiful, intimate songs....it may not be the usual, crowd-pleasing jocular Ellis (which I also adore), but as I said, for the most part, is still my favorite when I have time to really listen to him and think about what he's saying through his lyrics. A must for any serious Ellis fan.

Production.......1999-12-10

Let's be clear here -- this is not the live Ellis Paul experience -- this is Ellis viewed through the polished production crystal of Jerry Marotta, adding a different richness to Ellis' polished, direct live performances. His material displays a great mix of sadness with an eye on a brighter future (e.g. "Seven" and "Live in the Now"), lyrcially and musically. Plus, as he likes to joke, the disc includes his one man Grammy category, Best Lesbian Pop Song By a Male Singer Songwriter ("She Loves a Girl"). Finally, track 12 (a hidden bonus) gives you a feel for Ellis' live sound pretty well. He has a live disc scheduled for release in 2000 -- watch for it. (To be fair, Ellis and I use the same producer/engineer.)

Clearly amongst the best.......1999-05-25

amazon.com through the software '...if you like this CD...' led me to ellis paul and his translucent soul. a masterful album, particularly the opening piece of work, 'take me down'. yes, i will be acquiring the rest of paul's albums, starting with 'stories'.

Great stuff!.......1999-04-29

I heard Ellis Paul for the first time on NPR, and bought his disk soon after. It is really good (for details, please see previous reviews). I played it for my fiance (who normally doesn't like male singers) and he loved it, too. This is my favorite kind of music -- light melodies paired with thoughtful, intelligent lyrics.