According to Atlanta-based blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Tinsley Ellis, his new, first-ever solo acoustic album, 2024’s Naked Truth is both “a departure and an arrival.” Ellis has recorded and traveled the world for over four decades. There, he delivers his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to ever-growing audiences at concert halls, festivals, and clubs. Naked Truth is steeped in the folk-blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and Leo Kottke.

To the casual fan, this might seem to be a new direction. But for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues. “This is a record I’ve always wanted to make and one that my longtime fans have been asking for.” Also, he notes that he’s included an acoustic mini-set in his concert performances for years.

On Naked Truth, Ellis swaps his blistering, guitar-fueled full-band workouts for equally passionate, soul-searching acoustic folk blues. His famed guitar chops and musical creativity are on full display throughout the album’s twelve songs, including nine originals.

Ellis has brought his music to fans live in person to all fifty United States. Additionally, he has performed in Canada, across Europe, Australia and South America. He’s earned the love and respect of many of his fellow musicians. Thus, he shares stages with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Allman Brothers, Warren Haynes, Oliver Wood, Buddy Guy, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule, Widespread Panic, and more. Also, legends including Otis Rush, James Cotton, Gregg Allman, Jimmy Buffett, Son Seals, Koko Taylor and Albert Collins. Furthermore, mega-star guitarist Joe Bonamassa calls Ellis “a national treasure.”