Robert Ellis: In Conversation with a Triple Threat | MCP #135

Morse Code Podcast with Korby Lenker

I speak with artist and multi-instrumentalist Robert Ellis, one of the best singer-songwriters of his generation. I'll tell you why: first, his songs do what great pop songs do - grab your attention with a hook as sticky as hot honey (check out “Bottle of Wine” for an example), but you get a sense there’s always something held in reserve, something that won’t be revealed until you come back for a second or third or fourth listen.

That might have to do with Robert’s respect for the mutable laws of music theory (we talk about the relationship of the V to I cadence as the backbone for all music since Bach), or his sense of play evident in a catalogue that already spans 6 albums across genres as diverse as bluegrass-inspired ripper (“Sing Along”) to 70s’ Rock (“Nobody Smokes Anymore”), or the soft spun album “Yesterday’s News” reminiscent of Willie Nelson’s “Rainbow Connection”.

Or it could have to do with the fact that while guitar is his primary instrument (he is a *very* good guitar player) his chops on piano are formidable enough that not only did he release an album on ivories (2019’s Texas Piano Man), but he toured it heavily - in a white tux and top hat, often solo at the keys.

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Robert has played Tiny Desk, Mountain Stage, and more recently, Carnegie Hall and collaborated with countless musicians from Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes to Jamestown Revival to Tift Merritt.

A few weeks ago he took time off his tour with Parker Millsap to talk with me about his free-spirited approach to songwriting, playing and creativity in general.

In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about the narrative parallels between music and literature, and how even chord progressions have a narrative arc. We talk about the importance of — when evaluating a prospective work of art — shifting the question from “Is it perfect”? to “Is it me?” We even venture into territory of a purely philosophical bent, discussing Free Will and its role in a empathic worldview. Robert is consistent with his meditative practice, and as a father of three, his kids often join in for the morning meditation. We hit on the importance in being absolutely present while both performing and producing, and how that ethos applies to acting. Robert recently acted in a short film, directed by his wife, filmmaker Erica Silverman. He talked a little about that experience which I found revealing and charming and hilarious.

Finally, the Texas Troubadour sat down to play his original “On the Run” live in studio on solo guitar. Watch and listen below.

There's a lot more in this conversation, one of my favorite ever on this podcast.

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