Highway 61 in Cincinnati?Ellery at the Crossroads of Folk & Faith (Live Review, July 6, 2007)

Does Highway 61 go through Cincinnati? Because it seems the Ohio-based husband-wife duo of Tasha and Justin Golden known as Ellery connects with that fabled road of the blues in a crossroads of folk, jazz rock, faith, and temptation.

Performing at Cup O’ Joy—Green Bay, Wisconsin’s Christian coffeehouse venue, Ellery filled the room with their engaging songs which are far less direct than perhaps expected by the Christian radio crowd usually drawn to Cup O’ Joy. The evening’s host was even prompted to offer a half-veiled apology saying that Ellery communicate the Gospel in a different way—emphasis on different--perhaps meaning among other things that they don’t say Jesus very often in their lyrics.

Yet, introducing “Perimeter,” Tasha explained how the song comes from the fact that there are “no easy answers to the pains…Life is full of beauty, but it is complex and difficult,” so it is “better to write about it and sing.” She talks like any other folk artist as she points like a prophet but not with the precise dagger of Christian artists. Like David Wilcox’s approach, Ellery delves into the mystery and questions prompting a search for a grace being slowly revealed.

This is the kind of music our churches need—even more so considering that Ellery presents a fresh sound as well.

Even though they perform only as a duo—Tasha on piano and Justin on guitar, they play in such a way as to recall the full band sound of their albums. They began the evening with “Shadows in Your Eyes” which has a percussive feel even without the drums.

Tasha is Karen Savoca to Justin’s Pete Heitzman, although you can also hear Sarah Masen in Tasha’s voice. Additionally, on a song like “Anna,” there’s the jazz lilt of Charlotte Martin on the verses, while “Just One” has a growing, walking line reminiscent of KT Tunstall. The Martin/Tunstall sound came forward most prominently on “Pieces” with its scat-like lines as Tashsa moved in and out of head voice. It’s an urgent song with a haunting piano like and a final chorus that threatens to fall apart trying to deliver the full force of the song.

The Highway 61 connection comes on the bluesy tunes like “Arizona” and “Skeletons Outside.” The latter has hopeful chords and a driving tempo with just a bluesy hint on the edges. It also has a great line recognizing Jesus in His humanity: “Little more earthly than I’d like to believe.”

Ellery also doesn’t shy away from love songs—between two people not just love songs for God. Tasha called “Lucky” a “little love song,” but it has a rock heart. “Song for Lovers” is the kind of marriage song a couple really needs—truthful, honest, but still rising, emotive, and joyful.

Finally, Highway 61 does go through Memphis, so it is no surprise that a few country elements also appear. “Long Coat On” reminds me of my friend Emily Dunbar’s music (check her out!!!), although perhaps it helps you more if I say it has the country-jazz bounce of Bruce Hornsby & the Range.

Ellery included a new song, “So Lonely,” a sad country ballad with just enough folk elements. Yet, you could still imagine slow dancing cowboys holding onto their women for dear life while their buddies aren’t looking. Ellery presents God in that same way—while your guard is down, you find you’re holding on for dear life to that hope offered.

Thanks to Ellery and Virt Records for the review CD.