Tough love

"'Tough Love' embraces the blues-rock fare that has defined much of Ellis's critically acclaimed work for Alligator and Telarc. But this tight, ten-song program of original material also shows the broad-ranging talent that has made Ellis such a popular draw as a touring musician over the past several decades, as traditional blues and ballads join more sophisticated arrangements that stretch the boundaries of the blues without sacrificing any feeling in the process ... 'Tough Love' is the product of a veteran artist at the peak of his ability as both a musician and songwriter, and demonstrates Ellis's continued efforts to innovate while remaining true to the roots of the music that inspired his first forays into the blues as a young teenager".