Tinsley Ellis releases “Too Broke” music video
Atlanta-based blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis has released his new all-acoustic album Labor Of Love.
The album marks Ellis’ second acoustic release, following 2024’s Naked Truth, and his first acoustic record made up entirely of original material. Labor Of Love is available on CD, Georgia peach-colored vinyl LP, and across all major digital platforms. A new radio single from the album, “Too Broke,” is currently impacting stations.
Self-produced by Ellis, Labor Of Love features 13 original songs performed with a stripped-down, raw approach. The material draws on modern-day themes and traditional blues influences, with songs touching on floods, fire, spiritual imagery, personal hardship, and perseverance. Tracks range from the opening “Hoodoo Woman” to “Long Time,” which carries a John Lee Hooker-inspired groove, as well as “To A Hammer,” influenced by Skip James, and the Son House-style stomp of “Sunnyland.”
Ellis says the performances reflect the experience and perspective gained from more than four decades on the road. The album moves between quiet, reflective moments and more forceful, driving passages, balancing emotional depth with a direct, unfiltered sound.
During a break from recording the album, Ellis spent time in Bentonia, Mississippi, the birthplace of Skip James and home to blues figure Jimmy “Duck” Holmes. While there, Ellis immersed himself in the Bentonia blues tradition and performed with Holmes at the Blue Front Café. “Once I got home,” Ellis says, “I went right back to the studio and incorporated everything that I just experienced into my music.”
For the recording, Ellis used six different open tunings on his 1969 Martin D-35, his 12-string Martin D-12-20, and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. He also played mandolin on three tracks, marking the first time he has featured the instrument on one of his albums.
In support of the release, Ellis has been performing solo dates across the country on his “Two Guitars And A Car” tour. “I love doing these shows,” Ellis says. “I can be more expressive and emotional as a solo acoustic artist. I just love the sound of acoustic guitar. I always have.”
