“When the big fella opens up his chest and lets fly with that lusty, rumbling voice, even then it’s as if he’s pulling back on the reins in fear of what might happen to innocent bystanders – it’s that potent. Jeff Glorfeld The Melbourne Age
Rory has spent many years touring locally and internationally taking inspiration from suburban street culture, some of the seedier Melbourne pubs he has worked and performed in, regular glimpses of the Melbourne underworld, people he’s loved and lost, and from his own eventful life, rich in contrast. Audiences at Rory’s numerous festival appearances and more intimate performances have been captivated by his powerful vocal command and subtle acoustic instrumentation that bring the vivid stories to life.
Rory has been a regular at just about every Australian blues, folk and roots festival over the years as well as numerous tours across the UK festival circuit, and has more recently included Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
Whilst on tour in the UK over the years he has performed alongside, amongst others, Richie Havens, Eric Bibb, Chumbawamba, Robert Cray Band, Canned Heat and has performed live to air on BBC Jersey, Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, Leicester and Blackburn, House of Mercy Radio and received good airplay as well.
In 2008 Rory released his critically acclaimed “Two Feathers” album, which featured some of Australia’s finest musicians. “Two Feathers” is a diverse collection of stories – from songs about primitive childhood thoughts of flight from the tin roof of the old shed, dreams of finding home in strange lands, to the passing of his long time stage co-hort. It also touches on several political issues – from the involvement of Australians in Iraq, the Sydney riots and unfair work laws, to personal views about Johnny Cash’s last album, and the kids that hang around the streets of his hometown.
In 2010 Rory made his first appearance at one of the worlds largest Country Music Festivals at Tamworth to rave reviews from audiences and venues alike. Rory performed at the Fender Roadcases show alongside Troy Casser Daly, Joe Robinson, The Mclymonts, Gina Jeffreys and more, and he was loved so much that they asked him back the next year as well!
Rory has recently completed his 5th studio album titled “Perfectly Damaged”, a rugged album that effortlessly blends blues, country, folk, and hillbilly in a wry collection of good-time, toe-tapping songs, seasoned with Rory’s distinctive gravelly voice and unique worldview. Together with his subtle acoustic instrumentation, his powerful vocal command once again brings the vivid stories to life.
Reviews for “Perfectly Damaged”:
“It’s Ellis and his voice that drives it though: a compelling instrument, it demands attention, effortless in its power and the combination of that and his old school storytelling, honed in the hard miles in puts in on the road make this a fine record. “
Jeremy Searle – Americana UK Aug 2010
“Well what a simply brilliant surprise. Somebody I’ve never seen or heard or even heard of for that matter turns up a gob smacking trumps”
Geoff “The Silver Fox” Marston – Blues Matters Oct 2010 UK
With Rory Ellis the discussion starts and ends with The Voice. That’s how it sounds like it should be written- with the first letters capitalised. Its and imposing instrument big and commanding, it’s like if Rory said jump you would reply “How High?”
Jeff Glorfeld – The Age March 2011
