Tinsley Ellis: The Naked Truth Blues Tour

Atlanta-based blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Tinsley Ellis is touring behind his first-ever solo acoustic album, Naked Truth, which he calls both “a departure and an arrival.” After more than four decades of delivering his feral, electric blues-rock around the world, Ellis strips things down with a collection steeped in the traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson, and Leo Kottke. The album, his 21st, includes nine originals alongside covers such as Son House’s Death Letter Blues. Recorded live in the studio on his 1969 Martin D-35 and 1937 National Steel guitars, the songs showcase Ellis’ famed slide work, intricate fingerpicking, and raw, unvarnished vocals.

Ellis has performed more than 100 solo shows in the past year, many alongside Alligator Records labelmate Marcia Ball, and says the acoustic format is something fans have long requested. His career spans dozens of albums on Alligator, Capricorn, Telarc, and his own Heartfixer label, with his music praised by Rolling Stone and covered by artists like Jonny Lang. He has shared stages with Buddy Guy, the Allman Brothers, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Joe Bonamassa, who calls him “a national treasure.” Ellis brings Naked Truth to the stage Nov. 21 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $29 to $39, including fees.