Several years ago I was lucky enough to watch Ben Folds play with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. During the concert he explained how much he loved playing with orchestras because while making an album he felt like he was constantly dumbing down his ideas in order to make the album sound consistent with the live sound and not to go too crazy in the studio. After hearing how fantastic he sounded with a full orchestra I was disappointed in listening to his albums because I knew it wasn’t the full potential of what he had in mind when writing the songs. In Ellen M. Wilson’s November 2012 release “Destiny,” Wilson doesn’t back down from the daunting task of incorporating numerous elements into her work and it pays off.
After a couple of listens to the album I was not surprised to learn that Wilson was a rocker in her teen years and then studied classical music through college. With a background of rock and classical music and a fearless approach to writing Ellen Wilson has created an album that is all her own. There are elements of prog rock, rock opera, and folk music that are tied together by Wilson’s strong vocal performance and a lyrical theme. While there are religious themes lyrically, I would probably consider the album to be more of a spiritual album as it deals with finding peace and happiness in the world. There is a heavy use of synth and keys throughout the album that really give it that rock opera feel. Harmonies are used consistently in the album but not to a point that they are overdone. To combat overuse there are male vocals used in the harmonies sparingly that keeps the songs (and album as a whole) fresh. My favorite track of the album would have to be “For You.” The song opens up with a minute and a half of synth, leading into some crunchy guitar work, and then percussion (including the ringing of bells) setting an intense, ethereal tone for the song. This song is heavily prog rock influenced and would stand up against The Transiberian Orchestra’s work. The song speaks to our inability to understand all of the mysteries that go on around us to make the world the way it is. Wilson has chosen such a hard hitting eerie sound for this song that matches its subject matter perfectly. Other stand out tracks for me include “Alone” and “Shelter Me.” These two songs are 2nd and 3rd on the album and really start the rock opera sound that I love so much. To compare this album to what’s out currently is tough to do but due to the vocal work in these two songs there will be comparisons to Wilson and Amy Lee of Evanescence. “Alone” is a much slower pace than the aforementioned “For You” but is intense in its own right as Wilson sings about moving out of a tribulation while staying positive and never feeling alone in the process. “Shelter Me” builds on the pace of “Alone” and really shows off Wilson’s vocal talent. It becomes evident how much power she has in her pipes as her voice soars two minutes into this song as the album comes to a crescendo it has been building since the first note of the opening track. Wilson’s “Destiny” is full of little surprises and rewards. “Rise” concludes with some enormous percussion capping off the growing energy of the song. “Its Alright” has a jazzy feel to it that isn’t really given on other tracks. “Someday” has a breakdown that builds into a smooth guitar solo. The biggest reward to the album however has to be the vocal performance by Wilson whose voice sounds just as good in the valleys of songs as in the peaks. “Destiny” is masterfully done. The uplifting, heartfelt album focuses on the journey we all are going through in this world. Wilson is providing reassurance not only of her ability to end up where she is supposed to in this world but that the world will end up as it should as well. Wilson is confident that she will find her destiny but it’s apparent she has found her voice in “Destiny”. Buy this album if you like: Epica, Evanescence, The Carpenters, Prog Rock and Rock Opera. |
Ellen M. Wilson Destiny The basic goal and the unerring quest of the Sufi poets—particularly of the Sufi mystics of the medieval era (Rumi, Hafiz, Omar Khayyam)—was to become one with their beloved. The beloved often being not merely an earthly, carnal version of someone they merely wanted to hook up with, but The Beloved: God, the Supreme Being, the Universe. These Sufi mystics aspired toward a Divine Love. They were seekers of Truth. And they wrote and sang about that love and those aspirations in a way that was sometimes direct, sometimes not, but always heartfelt and spiritual. The same can be said of Ellen M. Wilson. She sings sometimes directly, sometimes not, but always heartfelt and with spirituality and passion. And without being corny, obvious, or preachy. And the music backing her is neither maudlin nor treacly and thankfully never veers into the self-consciousness of a Lilith Fair princess. Wilson bears no small resemblance to sinewy operatic rock bands like Evanescence and Flyleaf, which mix in tough crunchy guitars and soaring synthesizers beneath and sometimes over the ethereal and sometimes dreamy vocals of their frontwomen (Amy Lee of Evanescence and Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf). Wisely, or maybe fatefully, she chose as her producer T.L. Brown, a songwriter whose musical sensibilities seem to mesh perfectly with the potential and the range of Wilson’s formidable and sublime voice. These songs—where Sufi meets soul but almost on every cut armed with either an awesome guitar riff or a soaring synthesizer—range from hard rock to country rock to dance club. “Someday” moves from a familiar country rock AM-station number to one where Wilson’s voice carries it to a higher level. Similarly, “Alone” recalls the piano work of Styx and the vocals of Pat Benatar, but the musicians, all from El Paso and all doing great work here—from guitarist Armin Harrison, bassist Dave Hamilton, drummers Danny Sullivan and Justin Conrow—and Brown’s piano-playing and arrangements complement Wilson’s emotionally poignant vocals in a way that’s not only supportive but true to the uplift of the lyrics. “Shelter Me” and “For You” also kick ass—musically and vocally. They pack an emotional wallop. The guitars are big and gritty, the synthesizers equally large and lofty, and the arrangement always plays off the subtle spiritual mood that’s always there if you want it, but not overly present that it’s in your face. On “I Will Try,” Wilson works her voice in a way that’s texturally distinct from her other songs. She somehow manages to sing—“I will try/learning along the way . . . I won’t give up/I will be whole someday,” lyrics about change and growth, or trying to change and grow—in a voice that’s younger, less mature, striving. Striving while retaining the strength underneath that’s identifiably Wilson’s. “It’s Alright” opens with more of an easy-listening vibe. But it’s Culture Club laziness is deceptive, giving way halfway through to a more interesting tempo, a lift in spirit. Again, there’s an almost mystical quality to Wilson’s singing here, to the music and the words. She sings about lifting her eyes to the mountain—the way some of the great Sufi mystics sang of their experiences with the divine. And it can’t be a mere coincidence that Wilson lives in a desert as stark and unforbidding but as spiritually inspiring—yes, El Paso—as that inhabited by the medieval Persians. “Rise” is particularly stirring. Wilson’s voice here is at its clearest and richest. And why wouldn’t it be? “I know from deep within that I was born to rise . . . in my hands my future lies.” How could she not sing with total clarity and purpose? It’s on “Destiny,” though, where Wilson truly sings of praise and pursuit. Backed by a beat that’s more early Madonna or Sheena Easton (in her Prince days) than the CD’s more metal-driven tracks, “Destiny” finds Wilson singing of “The path we take creates the shape and form of the key.” And that “destiny’s visage is unique/it’s yours and yours alone.” Among the mystics, they often sang of visages and the awesomeness and wonder of God’s visage. They also sang of The One, just as Wilson does: “The pathway with our final goal: the One that’s always near.” Wilson gives the impression—lyrically and musically—that she’s after something bigger and deeper than a mere Top 40 finish or a dance-club hit. She certainly has the voice to back it up. -Devon Jackson |
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Local singer, military spouse to celebrate new album release Sunday
Ellen M. Wilson is having a release party for her new album ‘Destiny’ Sunday at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing in Sunland Park, N.M. Courtesy Photo Victoria G. Molinar, Fans of adult contemporary pop infused with rock might want to listen to the music of local songbird Ellen M. Wilson, whose release party of her new album, “Destiny,” will take place this Sunday at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing. Virginia-based producer of Wilson’s album T.L. Brown will come down to El Paso to join her for the release party. The two worked together on both lyrics and a cohesive theme for the new album. “We wanted this album to be one that could be listened to from start to finish. Songs are sold as singles now,” said Wilson. “It’s about the journey of our souls; the desire to see our connection and our oneness with everyone. That’s something from someplace deep inside of us.” Although Wilson’s music is classified as adult contemporary pop, its style is not something that can be simply described as one genre. Her angelic voice over heavy guitar notes reminds some listeners of the band Evanescence while other songs have the ethereal elements of singers Enya and Sarah Brightman. Even with these music references, her music has a down-to-earth quality that can only be understood once listened to. Wilson’s eclectic style is a reflection of her music background. Singing since the age of two, music has been a consistent factor in both her personal and professional life. She was involved in musical theatre and studied classical music while also a member of several rock bands, including one with her brother. Rock from the ‘60s and ‘70s was a major influence in her upbringing, she said. Wilson is also a voice lecturer at the University of Texas at El Paso and a music instructor at El Paso Community College. Although she’s originally from Chicago, her support and passion for local talent seems unending. There are many factors in which she draws her musical inspiration from, from being a mother to Judaism to her life as a military wife. “My father was a Holocaust survivor and so I’m a first-generation American on that side of my family,” said Wilson. “When my husband went into the military to serve as an active-duty Soldier, my father was very proud of that because he loved America and felt that it was indeed the greatest country and the only one where he felt free. We talk about how cliché it is to say how great America is, but my father really gave me a sense of that.” ...Wilson emphasized the fact that she wants her music to reach people of all backgrounds. She thoughtfully composed the lyrics so that anyone can relate and connect to them. “I don’t necessarily like to talk about the meaning of my songs because I think that it’s up to the listener, just like when you’re looking at a piece of art,” said Wilson. “You want to take it in and pull from it what speaks to you.” While Wilson’s military life has brought her to Alabama, Germany and North Carolina, her musical involvements in El Paso have been a crucial part of her life over the past ten years. “Destiny” was partially funded by an artist incubator program grant from the City of El Paso Museum and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts. She recorded her album at local studio Clap of Thunder, which well-known engineers and musicians Gabriel González and Jim Ward run. Wilson’s band also features El Paso’s talent and includes members Dave Hamilton, a well-known bassist from locally-cherished band Fungi Mungle, on bass and cello, Armin Harrison on guitar and NYU-graduate Ben Guerrero on drums. Brown will join the band this Saturday on keyboards. He will also collaborate with Wilson on her new music videos in which some of the footage will be shot during Saturday’s release party. For more information on Wilson’s music, visit ellenmwilson.com. 
Latest Destiny Album Review at Neufutur.com Destiny’s Alone is a track that will immediately bring listeners on board with Ellen M. Wilson. This track needs little more than vocals and a piano to shine; the resulting track uses the interplay of human and instrumental efforts to draw listeners into the fold. Shelter Me possesses a foreboding feel to the track that ties together equal amounts Nightwish and Evanescence with Switchblade Symphony. Each element of Wilson’s band is brilliant here, while the production allows for considerable delineation of each element. This results in a much more clear effort than many we have heard. I Will Try is a track that feels destined for Broadway; the soaring vocals present here are endearing, while the softly-spoken piano matches up perfectly. Hints of Tori Amos can be heard here, while Wilson’s overall effort could easily make it up adult contemporary charts. It’s Alright is a track that works perfectly, no matter what sorts of music that a listener may dig. This is because the composition is buttery smooth, with the instrumental arrangement providing the perfect highlighting for Wilson’s vocals. Destiny is the perfect closing track for the titular album; I feel it touches just as much as what was captured during Destiny’s runtime as what will be explored by Wilson in the future. A second set of vocals pushes the track to an entirely new plateau, and gives listeners more than enough reason to stick around for the second half of Destiny. Make sure to see Wilson on a set of tour dates in New Mexico and Texas in the next month, and check her website out for more information about the woman and her music. Top Tracks: Shelter Me, I Will Try Rating: 8.6/10
The ominous opening is an Evanescence-style buildup of strings and hard but feint guitars and synths before bringing in Wilson, whose voice is not as fierce as Evanescence’s Amy Lee’s or as ethereal as Enya’s—but angelic, strong and pretty nonetheless). Things then slow down as Wilson explores the lyrics—over some very very tepid percussion, which are all the more lackluster given the sinew of the opening riff (and the guitars and strings in particular). Still, producer T.L. Brown wisely keeps the guitars and strings and synths lurking in the background all the while—hinting at their return, and giving the song more depth. I’d trade half of the time spent on the opening, though, for more of a payoff at the end. The song stops more than it ends. But the arrangement is spectacular, and Wilson’s voice works wonderfully against the harder edges of the rock angles. The composition and the production, though, don’t equal the arrangement in either power or fol low-through. This song has plenty of appeal, and perhaps more potential than realization. Nevertheless, it deserves to be a hit—almost in spite of its shortcomings. It has the right sort of ambition and desire: to be something bigger and grander and with more emotional—honest emotional—depth and reach. 
“Destiny,” Ellen Wilson — El Paso vocalist/songwriter Ellen Wilson’s newest offering is another example of her ability to mesh segments of faith and inspiration with clean, clear vocals and flowing melody. More pop/rock-infused than her earlier disc, “Songs of Ascent,” Wilson’s sound is still very familiar. The album starts out strong with the world-uniting invitation, “Someday,” and it continues to flow smoothly throughout. A standout for me was “For You,” featuring a rock anthem-inspired intro and motivating rhythm. These two selections alone are worth giving the CD a listen, but that’s not to say Wilson doesn’t deliver a satisfying musical experience altogether. This is one of those rare albums with no “skip over” songs or low points. Although “Destiny” demonstrates and Wilson’s ability to experiment and evolve as a musician, fans of her work won’t be disappointed with the results. Likewise, those just discovering her music should find this album enjoyable enough to want to delve back into her earlier work. “Destiny” is simply a beautiful listen from beginning to end, and it’s refreshing to see a local talent who can not only grow as a performer, but also remain true to herself in the process. — Lisa Kay Tate |
Ellen M. Wilson Interview at Neufutur.com
Who are you and how long have you been active? Ellen M. Wilson. I’ve been performing professionally for more than 30 years…it all started with a rock band in high school while I was also studying classical music. What trends will be big in the next year? I wouldn’t bank on my opinion, but increased diversity that will be harder to categorize, and more independent artists moving to the forefront, thanks to the many digital means for promoting their music as well as the ability to create a higher-end product that is more competitive. How does a track move from initial thought to finished effort? For me, the songwriting and recording journey reflects a collaborative effort. I write down lots of ideas, often as prose, rarely as poetry at first. Once I did have an early-morning idea that came as a complete song, words and music, but that is rare for me (that is a song we are putting on the next album). When T. L. (T.L. Brown, my producer and songwriting partner) and I write a song together, one of us will have an initial idea of what we want the song to be about. Sometimes I am the one to have the musical idea first; sometimes T. L. does. We bat around ideas at first, then sit down to more formally construct a song. Once we sit down to write the song, it gets done pretty quickly, since I usually will not stop until the song is done. T.L. then goes into his studio lair and arranges the song so we have a map for the musicians to follow in the studio. Next he coaches my vocal performance of the song, telling me how he envisions me singing it. Sometimes that can be tough, because I may have had the original idea and then I have to essentially re-learn my own song! But he is always right; the song is always on another level completely by the time we finish the recording. He understands my voice incredibly well and he gets me to do all kinds of new vocal stylizations. Invariably, the finished product is often one I might not have anticipated, which is absolutely magical. What more could a performer and songwriter want? How has your style evolved and changed over the time since you first started? Where do you think that your overall sound will go to in the months and years in the future? First, I have to clarify that, although I was writing songs in high school and college, my focus was on classical music studies and professional musical theater and other kinds of performance after college for a long time. I only started writing songs again in the last few years, but I’ve been absorbing different musical styles as well as writing prosaically for various jobs all these years. I’ve also been journaling for years, and all the influences and ideas are coming out in the songs. I don’t like to anticipate where my writing will go-that would only limit what might suddenly inspire me. I’m continually being touched by new things all the time, but I’m also reaching into the past, pulling from my greatest influences, such as my fascination with the music of the psychedelic 60s, which you will hear in a couple of songs on the next album, although the songs will have been “TLified”, my term for the magical way that TL arranges songs I’ve brought to him. Also, for this next project, T.L. and I will continue to explore symphonic styles, electronic sounds, world components, pure rock elements, and as many other stylistically diverse ways to express our lyric ideas as possible. On any Youtube video, there are countless genres thrown around for any song. How does that help or hurt music and musicians, and what genre(s) would your music fall into? We decided to label the music Adult Contemporary, although some songs lean toward soft rock, some toward pop. The countless genres being thrown around reflect every musician jumping into the marketplace and having to label his/her own music. It’s a challenge. Labels are part of the marketing aspect, to direct listeners or rather, to aim the music at a particular demographic. It’s necessary for marketing purposes, but really, it’s a false label. Think of some of your favorite bands – they are hard to categorize or you may have your own way of describing the sound that your best friend would completely contradict – and that’s fantastic, that is creative. How do you feel things are different musically and culturally between parts of the United States and the rest of the world? Since I spend time in academia as well as the popular music scene, this is a particularly interesting question to me. The world is getting smaller, for sure, and popular music is growing around the world. Thanks to the Internet, there is more give and take between artists around the world, with more collaborations taking place between artists of different countries. I have connected with artists from South American countries, for example, and discussed potential joint projects, which is so much easier to do these days without even traveling. Musicians usually talk about a dream concert, or those earlier acts they would like to play with. What would be your dream lineup? Seriously, my dream concert would involve having Sir George Martin arrange my songs for chorus and orchestra, then conduct the orchestra and chorus in a live performance. What role does alcohol and other recreational drugs play in regards to music? For me? None. I have a ten-year old. Really. Besides, I’m far crazier sober… Continuing to perform at new venues and introducing the music to new listeners is the focus for the rest of this year, as well as starting songwriting for the next album. I recently sat down with a philanthropist friend to discuss possible collaborations with area non-profits, and we discussed creating a new model for the way I perform my music. We will be developing this idea further in the coming year, so stay tuned… Non-profits or volunteer organizations that wish to host a concert should send a request through the ellenmwilson.com website contact form. Joining my email list through my Website and liking my Facebook page are two easy ways to connect. Love to hear from our listeners…
Any other thoughts for NeuFutur readers? Well, in this age of single downloads over an entire album, this recording was created to be enjoyed from start to finish. Take a listen and then tell me on my Facebook page what you think? Do you like the entire album? Are there certain songs you connect with? I’m also fascinated by the idea of seeking points of connection between ourselves and others, especially those with whom we think we have nothing in common. The more we see what we share with others, without needing to be the same, the closer we just might get to finding solutions to our world problems that will benefit everyone.
How can people contact you? My website, www.ellenmwilson.com is a great place to start. From there, you can get to the Ellen M. Wilson Facebook page, Reverbnation, Youtube, etc. and connect to me and T.L., as well as to other people who like the music. Read more: http://neufutur.com/ellen-m-wilson-interviewed/#ixzz2IwwqP6Og |
Concert update: Ellen M. Wilson, Bun B, Michael Anaya, EP Opera, Bart Crow With new album "Destiny," released on Aug. 14, Wilson lands with both feet firmly in the world of adult contemporary pop. The songs, written and recorded with producer T.L. Brown, continue her emphasis on the positive, as evidenced in cuts like the keyboard-laden "It's Alright," which features some elaborately layered vocals. But Wilson, who'll headline a free release concert at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at Ardovino's Desert Crossing, said the indie release on the Tate Music Group label could get her career to a higher place. "In a sense, this release and the party are just the beginning of a big push to get some attention from a record label that will take things to another level and help T.L. and I release a second album together," Wilson says. There's a video for "Alone" already in the can, and producer Brown will be in town in the fall to shoot videos for "For You" and "It's Alright." They plan to start work on a followup then. You can sample the music from "Destiny," which was funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts and El Paso's Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, at ellenmwilson.com. The release show will feature pianist Ruben Gutierrez, drummer Ricky Malichi, guitarist Armin Harrison, bassist Dave Hamilton and "special guests." |
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I did hear an advance copy of Wilson’s [CD], a bold followup to her 2008 Jewish text-based CD Songs of Ascent. While a line from “It’s Alright” invokes Psalm 121, Wilson’s new CD (Destiny) generally moves from Jewish/spiritual into more textured adult contemporary/pop as she spreads her wings as a writer (she wrote no songs on her first CD, but co-wrote all songs on the new CD) and as a vocalist (the coloratura soprano induces goosebumps on “Shelter Me” with how she starts a phrase on a very high note). Swirling together electric guitar, strings, and pristine piano with varied dynamics, the arrangements are atmospheric enough to serve as soundtrack for a movie scene – a scene of someone standing out in the elements, yearning for change and redemption. |
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El Pasoan reimagines Hebrew music Doug Pullen / El Paso Times EL PASO -- Ellen M. Wilson is Jewish, and most of her new CD, "Songs of Ascent," is sung in Hebrew. But don't for a minute think its familiar, Psalm-based songs and messages of healing and spiritual transcendence are just preaching to the converted. "I didn't want it to be just about religion," Wilson said. "I wanted it to be very transcendent." "Songs" may take its text from biblical Hebrew phrases and Jewish liturgy, but musically, it has an ethereal quality to it, with lush, layered harmonies contrasted by Wilson's soaring coloratura soprano. It's a warm sound that recalls Enya's soothing Celtic incantations and Loreena McKennitt's haunting medieval resurrections. There's a little Tori Amos thrown in, plus touches of jazz, contemporary folk-pop and traditional Middle Eastern strains. The CD came at a time of transition for Wilson, a voice lecturer at UTEP who grew up in Illinois and lived in North Carolina before moving to El Paso with husband Steve in 2001. Their son, Zach, was born a year later. Wilson, who has a bachelor's in music from the University of Illinois and a master's from Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C., has sung in classical and musical theater settings in the past. She's also a classically trained singer who has been a cantorial soloist at Temple Mount Sinai and in Across the Ages, a duo specializing in Baroque and Renaissance music. But she longed to do something different musically. A variety of elements fell into place, some good, some heartbreaking. Pivotal was her meeting with Scott Leader, a young up-and-comer in the Jewish rock music community who helped Temple Mount Sinai produce a CD. "I loved what he did and ... you know how it is when you kind of click creatively with someone who is like-minded," she said. "All of the sudden, the potential for a really exciting project was there." Leader said the Enya approach was by design. "Our original thought was to make something to show that she can take her classically trained opera voice and bring it down to a more folk level," Leader said by e-mail. "As we decided on which songs to do, I realized that they were all very well-known melodies. This brought up the thoughts on how to make this CD different than the 9,000 other versions of some of these songs out there." While kicking around those ideas with her Phoenix-based producer, Wilson was moved by the movie "The Secret," TV veteran Rhonda Byrnes' inspirational message about how to tap into one's spirituality for self-improvement. Wilson had studied with the film's featured speaker, Bob Proctor. "He encouraged the participants to ... create a really big goal," she said. "Just having met Scott, I began realizing that the next big project for me musically was to make this CD." Wilson was also mourning the death of her father, Alex Pollak, a Holocaust survivor who died last year, soon after the recording of Wilson's five-song, Leader-produced CD, "T'filat Ha-Adam: Prayers of the Heart." "That further spurred me on just to make something really special in this year of mourning," she said. "In Judaism, you mourn for a year for a parent, and a friend said I should distinguish this year in some way." Rabbi Larry Bach of Temple Mount Sinai had encouraged her to branch out musically. "He had me singing repertoire I hadn't sung before. I usually do a more classical repertoire. This was more poppy, contemporary stuff," she explained. "It made me feel as if I was coming full circle because in my high-school days and when I first went to college, I was in rock bands doing all kinds of naughty things sopranos aren't supposed to do." She's referring to her voice. For the Beatles-loving woman with the classically trained voice, it was the right time to make this record. "I really felt -- and I know it sounds crazy -- that everything came together in my project, using the lyric approach, training in the classical lyric technique, in service of this music that felt really spiritual to me." The CD is being promoted nationally. Wilson has a publicist in Boston. She's starting to get some airplay, including "The Jewish Show of Houston," which aired her version of the folk song "Lo Yisa Goy," prompting host Shawn Daniel to rave about her "amazing voice." Reviews are starting to roll in as well, mostly from various music Web sites. "Where there seems to be a division made with current artists between the vocal and the instrumental, Wilson's blending of the two distinct segments creates something that is fresh and exciting," wrote neufutur.com. "There may not be a driving drum beat or guitars shredding their way through the tracks on 'Songs of Ascent,' but the intricate vocal arrangements that are par for the course on 'Songs of Ascent' will get listeners excited and eagerly anticipating the next track." A reviewer for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange (acousticmusic.com/fame) wasn't very enthusiastic about the religious and spiritual themes, but praised the songs as "very tuneful, keeping away from New Age-ry by virtue of a folkish and lightly classical resonance, and Wilson has a soothing, beautiful and uplifting voice well-backed by a number of accomplished instrumentalists." Wilson is happy to get good reviews, but seems more inspired by the reactions she's getting from people of all faiths. "I've had such great feedback from friends who are Catholic, New Agey and not religious at all, all across the spectrum," she said, obviously pleased. "I think the melodies and performance at face value are very good and can be enjoyed even without thinking about the Hebrew texts involved," Leader added. "That's very much who I am and what I wanted to express -- something very spiritual," Wilson said. "It's the same idea as Enya singing Celtic songs. It's not meant to be religion music." Doug Pullen may be reached at dpullen@elpasotimes.com; 546-6397. Copyright (c) 2008 El Paso Times, a MediaNews Group Newspaper. |
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Dear Ellen, What a beautiful CD! Joyce and I love it. There are so few CD’s where every song is uniquely touching. Thank you. We’ll recommend it wherever we can. With all my love, Barry Vissell, MD
Ellen, Just heard your new tracks. "make me whole, body and soul"...they're beautiful, as always. Listening to your music makes me forget the drab weight of reality. It reminds me how much more life has to offer. Keep creating and inspiring. You have the voice of an angel and the soul of a caring stranger... David ---------------------------------------- I'm looking forward to being stuck in LA traffic knowing that there will be an oasis of beautiful music to surround me and bring me sweetly home... David
Ellen, I have one word: WOW!!! These are beautiful. Such delicacy and control--that is your hallmark. Much love from a fan, Steve
Ellen Wilson's Songs of Ascent CD deserves to be in the collection of any lover of Jewish music, particularly those with an affection for Jewish Renewal. The album consists of 10 songs including classics such as "Pitchu Li", "Oseh Shalom" and "Modah Ani". There are also new compositions such as Larry Lesser's "Healing Song". Wilson's soprano voice is unwaveringly crisp, pleasing and devotional. In many songs she is accompanied by piano, drums, trumpet and flute. Intriguing hamonies are woven throughout. The effect is upbeat and uplifting. New levels of meaning are revealed to the listener as the songs are played again, making this CD one the devotee of Jewish songs will want to return to over and over. Hi Ellen. Your songs sound amazing!! Clean, clear, heartfelt. Mazeltov on your new CD!! S G Glaser Musicworks
Ellen M. Wilson’s CD “Songs of Ascent” is music that soothes your soul and lifts your spirit. – Craig Taubman
Ellen, the album is beeyoutiful! It is really special – we made magic! I am so happy that I could be a part of it! I hope I get the chance to see you again soon.
Lovely. All of it. And whose beautiful voice is this? Unique, rich, earnest. Great work, Scott. I like it a lot.
Hi Ellen, I LOVE your C.D.!! I love everything about it - the singing, the music arrangements, the songs/prayers themeselves, the order! Very beautiful and inspiring!! Thank you!!! I love that it's so about gratitude and healing and peace!!! Oh, I love your translations, too! I have a Reconstructionist Prayer book, and some of the translations remind me of that as opposed, say, to the Conservative one I'm used to. And I'll add that the title really fits because it's so uplifting, and that's so cool to have an actual biblical phrase from the tehillim fit PERFECTLY! Thanks! It was nice to meet you! To peace and healing!!! Lynn
Hi Ellen, You and Scott are my favorite singers. Just listened to your cd driving to work. Puts me in a great mood. Thank you. Have a great weekend. Terren
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SHABBAT SHALOM - How can I order a big order? I LOVE THIS CD. The sax, the piano, your voice, the words I love the whole thing. I love the song that has "Shabbat Shalom" in it. I think those words are very powerful. I don't know why but I see them as they have power. I love the one "Moses cried heal Miriam, heal Miriam this I pray." when I hear those words I feel like The Just One hears our prayers in a special way. It reminds me of Our Lady's words to Christ when he performed His first miracle " They have no wine." It is a cry for grace. I shared the Healing Song's words with a friend of mine of Tagged.com He was really touched. You really have outdone yourself and I think you will be seeing the blessings for a long time!!
Hi Ellen, Just listened in …. WOWOWOWOW …. Your music is beautiful, just beautiful! I will share your site with everyone I know …. You are blessing – I especially love The Healing Song :)
Ellen, You are a beautiful and talented young woman. May you sell a million copies. I will promote it to others. Lovingly, Grace
Ellen, I just want to tell you that I have really enjoyed your CD. The translations help me understand what you are singing about and you have a beautiful voice, but the music needs no translation
Hi Ellen, I just had to let you know how much we are enjoying your CD and how much your beautiful music is now part of our daily commute to school. My daughter knows the words from one or two of the songs since she said they are in her Siddur so she is singing right along with you. WOW! What a wonderful impact your CD is having on my daughter and who knows, maybe someday she may teach her own children the words put to music with a wonderful story behind it.! You are doing such a mitzvah by sharing your lovely voice with so many of us. With appreciation,
Ellen, I want you to know that on Friday night when I am home alone for Shabbat dinner...I play your CD right after I light my candles...thank you for helping to fill my home with that Shabbos feeling!
I cannot exaggerate the emotional impact of Ellen's songs on both of us. We didn't open the disk until this Tuesday so that we could play it as we drove to and from the oncologist's office. I felt as if the Shechina had descended to accompany us on this ride and shelter us from our fears that we would hear tough news. We did. My wife will resume chemotherapy after Yom Kippur on a new drug since her last remission lasted only a year. But we listened to the other half of the disk on our way home. The comfort of Adonai Oz, Shir Chadash, Healing Song and Oseh Shalom sustained us. It was a truly magical experience. Her disk is now permanently a part of the set in my CD drive and since we often take 45 min. trips to visit our daughter, we will experience the love that fills those songs over and over again.
Congratulations! Your CD is exceptional. It is so uplifting and inspiring, angelic melodies and text encouraging one's spirit. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Hi Ellen, Can't tell you enough how much we enjoyed the other night! I did want to pass on to you that Rachel has been listening to your CD today while doing her school work. She has The Healing Song on repeat and has been listening to it over and over. It's a beautiful song:) Blessings, Pam
I had to open presents and I declare I couldn't have picked out 2 more wanted items. I always loved 'Hava Nigela'. Everyone who's passed the door to the hall, says 'I like your music or I love it etc...' So tell her she is being shared 8 hours a day. So beautiful and calming and soothing! I stopped the Christmas music for a day or two to absorb it---thank you.
I so want the CD to be a success for you... and it will be. I just love your serene voice... Its a heaven sent gift you have. Thank you so much Hugs Wendy
Dear Ellen, I am still enchanted by your music. Keep on singing girl. I hope that you and yours had a beautiful Passover. Fr. Vincent Petersen
I have been listening to your CD constantly the past couple of weeks. It's keeping me sane when I need to be grounded at my desk!! (It's gorgeous, and your arrangements and singing are gorgeous.)"
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