Album Review

Dennis Ellsworth – Hazy Sunshine

• 9th Jun 2014

The title really gives away the tone of this third album from Canadian singer songwriter Dennis Ellsworth: gentle and poetic, laid back and summery. There are occasional touches of country rock, but in the main the album is a lovely blend of folk and Americana with elements of country and blues.

Ellsworth is an emotional songwriter and his even, often hushed, tones give an intimacy to his work. Using mainly guitar and piano as backing, there is a straightforward feel to much of the music on the album, although strings are used in places to add depth.

Dennis Ellsworth does songs about love very well. The short opener Things I Want is a lovelorn track that has a poppy edge and a radio friendly air. If I Find The Truth is a lovely acoustic ballad, the vocals soft and passionate. And when a female voice is added the harmonies are quite beautiful. The simple piano led title track Hazy Sunshine sees Ellsworth missing his love, his voice dipping and a husky edge adding real poignancy.

There are more upbeat songs on the album too. Everything’s Fine has a nice melody and is the most country sounding song on the album, a lovely upbeat and optimistic song. Paradise also has an optimistic feel. Coke Machine Glow is based on a poem and a cello gives resonance behind the lyrics before the pace picks up.

The wonderfully titled Harry Nilssen’s Heart is also very good, its bigger sound and richer instrumentation allowing Ellsworth to add some power to his vocals, and he shows that he has good control. The closing Can’t Turn To You finishes the album on a more reflective note, gentle and regretful, yet not maudlin and also ending on a positive note with faith for the future.

Dennis Ellsworth is one of many young folk artists who seem to be coming from Canada at the moment. His clever lyrics and good instrumentation provide good backing for his emotional vocals. Hazy Sunshine is a good summertime record – and Ellsworth will be in the UK this month on tour to promote it.

Venue: Hazy Sunshine
Support Band: Busted Flat Records