Paul Ansell has been active in the roots music scene as a member of the smokin' hot vintage blues-a-billy outfit No. 9, has played Rockabilly, Rock'n'Roll and mesmerized fans with his Elvis renditions with Elvis' old bandmates Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana. The British singer possesses one of those voices that emulate Elvis without trying too hard.

"Love Conquers All" is a 16-song album that is reminiscent of Elvis' later work and Charlie Rich's style, full of emotions and feeling with great productions. Except for five tracks it's all originals by Paul Ansell that might fall into the Country category but have a big Soul element, Memphis meets Nashville, rooted in the mid 60s while still being absolutely contemporary.

Dan Penn's memorable "Tear Joint" starts off a strong set the way Elvis would have done it.  "Bloodshot Eyes" is a groovy take on Hank Penny's Western Swing number that Jump Blues master Wynonie Harris rocked up and Paul here has a roaring trumpet open it to great effect. The tender "If I Should Fall Behind" was written by Bruce Springsteen. Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain" is the most recognizable hit and it's an excellent version. Kudos goes to the backing band here: legendary upright bass player Bob Moore ("Crazy", "Pretty Woman"...), guitarist Reggie Young ("In The Ghetto"...), David Briggs (piano, hammond B-3 - worked with Elvis, James Brown, Johnny Cash...), Jimmy Russell (drums - Desmond Dekker...).

Paul Ansell's originals are just as memorable, the upbeat and fun "Big City' with trumpet, the haunting "Blue For Two" done Roy Orbison style, the piano driven title track, and energetic "Start All Over Again" with steel guitar, or the cool Rockabilly "Baby Baby". Soulful and haunting, the slow burning "Set Me Free" and "Answer To My Prayer" the latter a bit reminiscent of Chris Isaak. A truly great roots music album (and especially recommended as a gift for the woman you love).

Blue Suede News