Atlanta blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Tinsley Ellis announces his new album ‘Labor Of Love,’ arriving January 30. The self-produced project marks his second acoustic release following ‘Naked Truth’ and his first to feature all original material. The record will be available on CD, Georgia peach-colored vinyl, and digital platforms. Ellis also unveils the first single, “Hoodoo Woman,” alongside a striking video directed by filmmaker Troy Bieser.
“Hoodoo Woman” channels the spirit of Mississippi Hill Country blues. “It’s inspired by R.L. Burnside,” Ellis explains. “I did shows with R.L. here and in Europe, and his music became ingrained in my soul.” The track opens the album with grit and drive, setting the tone for a collection steeped in tradition yet rooted firmly in the present.
Across 13 original songs, Ellis explores floods, fire, voodoo spirits, heartbreak, and redemption. From the John Lee Hooker-style groove of “Long Time” to the Skip James-inspired “To A Hammer” and the Son House stomp of “Sunnyland,” the album reflects decades of hard-won experience. A visit to Bentonia, Mississippi, where he spent time with blues master Jimmy “Duck” Holmes at the Blue Front Café, further shaped the sound.
Ellis recorded the album using six open tunings across his 1969 Martin D-35, 12-string Martin D-12-20, and 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. He also plays mandolin on three tracks for the first time in his career. After years touring with a band, Ellis has embraced solo acoustic performances on his “Two Guitars And A Car” tour, returning to the raw foundation of the blues. For him, the title says it all.