The live CD was recorded at Chord On Blues in St. Charles, Illinois on March 25 and 26, 2005. At 79-minutes, it is the longest album in Alligator history. Label president Bruce Iglauer says, “This record was not repaired in the studio. This is exactly the way the music was played and sung.” Having seen Ellis perform one month after this savage disc was recorded; I can vouch for the sound’s authenticity. Iglauer and Ellis have captured a feels-like-being-there resonance. Ellis says, “The live album shows me in my element. I’m betting that people still like long jam songs. There is a larger audience for that then the industry says there is.” The disc’s 11 songs have an average length of seven minutes, and three of them clock in at 10 minutes. Ellis’ band is fueled on rock power, and they provide a trembling foundation. His rock and roll animals include Jeff Burch – a chain-free pit bull drummer, Todd Hamric – an energy-crazed keyboardist, and The Evil One – a ready to kill bass player.

“Highwayman” contains plenty of foot pedal magic. “A Quitter Never Wins” is one of Ellis’ signature ballads. On it, he plays like there is a slow burning fire that is following him up the fret board. Ellis’ vocals are as assertive as his guitar on the hot rockin’ “Hell Or High Water.” Not all the selections sound as full as their studio counterparts. Due to Hamric’s thick organ, the Robert Cray style “Real Bad Way” transitions to the stage extremely well. Here, Hamric flies across the board during an outrageous electric piano solo. Burch pounds heavy, and charges forth the band like a general. The song contains some of Ellis’ best tone, control, and intertwined stringing. “The Last Song” is a beautiful ballad that burns with extended guitar solos that are loaded with emotion. “Pawnbroker” is what Ellis’ live show is all about. The entire band comes alive on this ignited rocker. The final number, “Double Eyed Whammy” is worth the wait. On this Freddie King tune, Ellis and Company are torrid.

The most represented previous CD is Storm Warning, which has been Ellis’ biggest seller. The remaining cuts were culled from three other Alligator releases and his two more recent Telarc albums. On those albums, Ellis left his blues/rock comfort zone for a more seasoned and refined sound. Iglauer and Ellis decided to return to a hard rocking approach. On Live – Highwayman, Tinsley Ellis’ blues-based rock is mean, tough, bold, loud, and excessive. It regularly crosses over into the hard rock arena. The Hell’s Angels will revel to this scorching biker blues. Like a freshly paved road, Ellis’ guitar effortlessly carries you on a rock and roll journey. Hold onto your seat and enjoy the ride! When it comes to blues/rock, and in particular the Southern style, this searing CD proves Ellis is at the top of the heap.

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