Tyler Ellis – Greater-Than – Live in Toronto
This showcase was recorded live (Nov. 2023) by John Switzer at The Free Times Café, Toronto, Ontario, Canada with primarily new songs performed by award-winning Toronto singer-songwriter Tyler Ellis for his 15-track, 7th album Greater-Than (Dropped June 21/Independent/51:23).
From the sound of the venue, it’s a spare tight audience enjoying themselves through the serious tunes & humorous ones. The song elements that make up Tyler’s performances are not as intense as Leonard Cohen or Fred Neil, but the songs have an entertaining quality. Some are repetitive (“Waiting On You”) while others rely on a simplistic charm. Few are as adventurous as Gordon Lightfoot or as clever as John Prine, but Tyler has his dulcet & docile presentation down well. There’s nothing to suggest showboating since Ellis’ focus is the appealing guitar chords, lyrics & melodies.
Some songs will deal a hand in severe topicality. There are touches on addiction, saving a fragile romance, describing a clandestine jazz club & going through pieces of nostalgia found in a box in a garage. It’s all provided through smart nourishing folk melodies but not with controversial asides or radical swipes. It’s all about the little homespun tales & quality of life. “Right On Track,” is a good example.
The live set was recorded spare. The majority of the songs while listenable aren’t scored with a degree of propulsion as found on a Cat Stevens song, or as dark as Townes van Zandt. Tyler’s closer to Guy Clark at times.
Yet, Tyler Ellis manages his musical real estate with self-assured ideas. “Little Dipper,” & “Music As Usual” could be developed into ballads with far more extravagance. Good tunes.
The concern I have is that some border on but never fall into mediocrity. I dismissed that criticism because Tyler is after all singing solo with just a guitar before a small audience who do respond well. He’s mining a showmanship few artists today indulge in. Those artists play covers throughout their sets. Tyler doesn’t. Keeping the attention of an audience through 15 songs isn’t easy especially if you’re not Peter, Paul & Mary, Hot Tuna, Bob Weir, or Neil Young.
I like some tunes stripped down to essentials as is & Tyler manages this with his laid-back expertise. Tyler isn’t without inspiration & here he conjures the tradition of old Pete Seeger in Tyler’s indomitable way.
Highlights – “House of Hambourg,” “Right On Track,” “Little Dipper,” “Down & Up,” “Cassidy,” “Do It Up Right” & “Music As Usual.”
There’s also a spiral-bound book with photos, illustrations & lyrics to 35 songs available at Tyler’s website.
Color image courtesy of Tyler’s website. CD @ Bandcamp + https://tylerellis.ca/
