New West Records Introduces Robert Ellis' Debut Album "Photographs"

Houston native Robert Ellis announces the release of his debut LP Photographs, from New West Recordsout on July 5. The New York Times recently described Robert's music as "equally inspired by Jackson Browne and George Jones" while Daytrotter calls his sound "tantalizing and moody folk rock." Robert, who was raised on bluegrass and country music, played the songs of his heroes every Wednesday night at the legendary Fitzgerald's club in Houston.The Houston Press caught the final incarnation of the event this past week, saying "Ellis & the Boys entertained from '9 'til overdose' with a high-powered barrage of outlaws, rebels and rogues like Buck Owens (a picture-perfect "Made In Japan"), Conway Twitty, Johnny Paycheck and a whole lotta George Jones."

The 22-year-old's second release is an impressive and diverse concept album, split in two sides with vinyl in mind. Robert explains "The A-side represents a more folksy, dark side of the music while the B-side is a full band country sound. While the songwriting is all very personal, the arrangement and distinct style difference is meant to reference and pay homage to all of the great artists who have influenced me." 

Robert and his band (Geoffrey Muller (Bass), Will Van Horn (Pedal guitar), Ryan Chavez (Drums), and Kelly Doyle (guitar) who, according to the Houston Chronicle have "...built a concrete reputation for impeccable live performances" will tour extensively in support of Photographs beginning in May with a run up the West Coast including stops in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Robert will also take up a week long solo residency in Portland, followed by a full band July tour supporting the Old 97's with shows in Nashville, Brooklyn and Chicago. (Full list of dates below)

Robert Ellis Tour Dates

Fri, May 20 - El Paso, TX - Lowbrow
 Sun, May 22 - Joshua Tree, CA - Pappy and Harriets 

Mon, May 23 - Hermosa Beach, CA - Country Mondays at Saint Rocke

Tue, May 24 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo 
Wed, May 25 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Crepe Place 
Sun, May 29 - San Francisco, CA - Hotel Utah
 Tue, May 31 - Denver, CO - The Hi-Dive 
Fri, June 3 - Ft. Worth, TX - Lola's Saloon Sixth 
Sun, June 5 - Houston, TX - Free Press Summerfest 1pm
 Sun, June 26 -Sat, July 2- Portland, OR - McMenamins Crystal Hotel [Portland Residency - Robert Ellis solo]
Tue, July 5 - Austin, TX - Cactus Café 
Wed, July 6 - Houston, TX - Fitzgeralds 
Fri, July 8 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge *
Sat, July 9 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge *
Mon, July 11 - Baltimore, MD - Ramshead Live* 
Tue, July 12 - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony *
Wed, July 13 - Brooklyn, NY - Bell House*
 Thu, July 14 - Brooklyn, NY - Bell House*
 Fri, July 15 - Wellfleet, MA - Beachcomber* 
Mon, July 18 - Chicago, IL -Lincoln Hall*
 Tue, July 19 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall *
Wed, July 20 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue* 
Thu, July 21 - Kansas City, MO - Crossroads *
Fri, July 22 - Oklahoma City, OK - ACM @ UCO*
Sat, July 23 - Denton, TX - Dan's Silverleaf

* with Old 97's