Translucent Soul
Introspective both lyrically and sonically, this is Ellis Paul's most personal recording, distinguished less by scenes and stories and more by a laying bare of his own fears and desire-fueled visions. "Think more about the future / When change brings your past to an end / Use your love like a suture / That's a good place to begin," Paul whispers, wry and ethereal. "Bring me backwards / I can't fool time / I'm walking in circles / I've committed no crime," he sings elsewhere. While the softness of his delivery is evocative in small doses, these frequently intense songs would profit from more vocal bite. But producer Jerry Marotta demonstrates a light, lush touch with percussion, and Tony Levin's melodic bass and Bill Dillon's guitar sympathize with Paul's interrogation of his own soul. Those familiar with Paul's material may be surprised by the gravity of these songs, but the focus makes this his most emotionally involving and artistically serious effort to date.--Roy Kasten