

Review Fix chats with legendary soul performer Ellis Hall, who discusses his career and new album.
A little more about Ellis Hall:
In addition to his years with Tower of Power, Ellis Hall fronted the Ellis Hall Group in the 70s, has written over 4000 soul, gospel, blues and pop songs, performed with the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Herbie Hancock, George Benson and Maurice White and recorded with John Klemmer, George Duke and Kenny G, among countless others. He has also written and performed on many film soundtracks including The Lion King 2, Shrek 2, Invincible and Bruce Almighty. He also sang a Louis Armstrong tune in the Steven Spielberg film Catch Me If You Can.
Review Fix: How did you get your nickname, “The Ambassador of Soul”?
Ellis Hall: At rehearsal for a symphony in Rochester, I teased Maestro Jeff Tyzik that I was working hard on my Ambassadorship to which Jeff replied…”THATS IT! YOU ARE THE AMBASSADOR OF SOUL”!!!!
Review Fix: What does it mean to you?
Hall: Being this vessel I have to infuse into whatever I play and sing with my heart and SOUL, no matter what style of music.
Review Fix: What gives Soul music its soul?
Hall: How it touches you or anyone else inside or out.
Review Fix: Talk about your new project with George Whitty. What makes it unique?
Hall: What makes it unique for me is working with someone like George who knows how to arrange/derange the music to reach into the very depths, or core of someone’s existence.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Hall: Everyone! It has elements for everyone – even if it’s just to make one’s hands, feet or hips move about.
Review Fix: What do you think is the difference between your newest work and the tunes people know you for?
Hall: The recognition of TRUE collaboration and to bring THIS music to the world.
Review Fix: Do you feel like your childhood has helped make you the musician you are today?
Hall: Absolutely! Listening and learning from and to everyone who has touched and sent me on this wonderful journey.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Hall: Bringing it to you LIVE!
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Hall: Enough talk about PLAY WHAT!!!!
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Hall: www.whittyhall.com
Leave a Reply