New York’s Ellen Woloshin releases her third solo album, Pop Torch, an enchanting blend of nostalgic melodies and contemporary polish. Spanning eight tracks, the album showcases Ellen’s deft interpretations of jazz classics and her own poignant ballads, creating a unique auditory experience that is both timeless and refreshing.
In Pop Torch, Ellen reimagines jazz standards with a fresh touch, such as ‘You Forgot Your Gloves’ and ‘Cheek to Cheek’, songs famously performed by legends Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Alongside these classics, Ellen introduces emotive original ballads like ‘Keep Your Heart’ and ‘You and a Blue Moon’, the latter echoing the stylings of Rodgers & Hart.
Listeners are taken on a musical journey of exceptional songwriting and stellar performances. The album’s rich instrumentation features stirring piano accompaniments, rhythmic drum arrangements, and the occasional passionate saxophone melody, all harmonizing to create an atmosphere of refined musicianship. Ellen’s vocals are the album’s heart, consistently enchanting and brimming with romantic warmth, delivering lyrics with charming personality.
Reflecting on the album, Ellen shares, “If you take a bunch of disparate beads and string them together to make a necklace, what would the finished product look like? That’s the concept behind this album. I took songs from various genres and decades, some of my own, some by others, with the hope that in the end, that necklace would come together as a unique statement of its own. I hope you enjoy the result!”
Ellen’s deep-rooted connection with music traces back to her childhood, where she studied classical piano and discovered her vocal talents at 16. Choosing to forgo a classical career, she initially joined the family business. As the daughter of renowned jingle writer Sid Woloshin, Ellen quickly established her own path, crafting jingles for multiple brands and building a solid professional foundation.
Her passion for performing and songwriting led her to form the duo Woloshin & Griffin, where she honed her skills before embarking on a solo career. Over two decades and three albums later, Ellen has mastered the art of blending well-known songs from various eras with her original creations.
Beyond her albums, Ellen has written for illustrious artists like Dionne Warwick, LaToya Jackson, and Ben Vereen. Her music has resonated on BBC radio across the UK. As a distinguished singer-songwriter, Ellen has graced stages from New York to Los Angeles and Nashville, opening for icons such as Laura Nyro, Bill Stains, and Jim Dawson.
Pop Torch is a testament to Ellen Woloshin’s enduring talent and versatility, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds that both honour the past and embrace the present.
Listen below:
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