Singer-Songwriter/Musician
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Ellen performs with:
the Gryphon Carolers
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The TikiTones: Michelle Kiba, Ellen Silva, Lisa Burns Contemporary and traditional Hawaiian/Island Swing Return to Paradise Return to Paradise also includes several of Ellen's originals
Island Rhythms
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and has guested on other recordings as instrumentalist and harmony vocalist.
CD Reviews: "Visions of Hope"-Island Dream
by Linda Waterfall
What a gem! As always, your songwriting knocks me out. You were smart to put "After Hours" first. It's one of your best, what a great song. I also really loved "Visions of Hope". It's a re-emergence of a theme I see in your writing, but it's as fresh as ever, a new way of speaking it and the music is so beautiful. I also really liked Sugar and Spice. Please tell Denée for me that her lead vocal on "Sugar and Spice" is terrific.....
"The Promise of My Love" -- wow. You have such a knack for putting these profound and subtle insights into language that is so musical and sing-able.
It's great to have the album on and be listening. I feel like you guys are right there...
—Linda Waterfall
Singer-Songwriter, Seattle, Washington
—Ken Luey, CCMC Quarter Notes (California Coast Music Camp Newsletter)
I first met Ellen Silva at CCMC No. 2. In band class and later in the student concert, I played congas on her tune “River of Love.” This great song is built on an infectious Latin beat and it tells its story in a simple, straightforward way. At the time, I thought, “Boy, I don’t know who this is, but she sure is good.” That was 14 years ago, and every summer since then, one of my camp week highlights has been to hear Ellen’s new songs.
Ellen has now released her third CD, “Visions of Hope,” and most of the twelve songs contain all of the wonderful Ellen Silva musical signatures, including her own synthesis of world rhythms and grooves combined with direct lyrics that get right to the heart of the matter. In “Honolua Bay,” Denée Deckert’s fluid vocal and sparkling ukulele drift over breezes of Jeff Smith’s Hawaiian guitar, Preston Carter’s electric bass, and Sue Smith’s brushes, while Ellen provides solid rhythm guitar and harmony vocals.
Denée sings:
"Slow island rhythms will rock you to sleep
Even though I’ll be gone, dear,
Look for me in your dreams."
And what’s this happening on “Palm-Filled Paradise?” Something like a languid chacha in a minor scale that goes into and out of a jazz blues feel. What great jam tune this would be. I could play it all night, and I have already enjoyed playing along with it. In this new crop of songs there are many things going on, some of which I have not heard before, and these things suggest that Ellen’s musical craftsmanship is increasing in its sophistication. “After Hours” is a swing tune with an attractive bounce in both the beat and melody. I like how the lyric and melody jump as Ellen sings: “I will be pleased to be in your com-pa-ny after hours....” Kristen Strom adds the finishing touch with burnished clarinet. The whole gang, including Karen SooHoo on drums and tambourine, John Treacy on mandolin, and Kristen on saxophone, channel Van Morrison on “Magic Happens (Whenever I’m with You).” It has a punchy R&B horn arrangement and fine, soulful mandolin from John.
For me, the killer tune is “Visions of Hope.” This song clearly establishes Ellen Silva as a master songwriter. It is filled with colorful intervals and sinuous lines. It has the tints and hues of “Stardust” or “Sophisticated Lady.” It is no frivolous jingle. Consequently, to my ear, it does not sound like an easy song to sing. And yet Denée hits all those color tones pure and on the mark. She displays marvelous vocal chops on this song and brings to it much feeling and heart. In closing, “Visions of Hope” covers a lot of musical ground, and it’s all ground that’s rich and deep. Ellen has tended to it with immaculate care and brings from it a bountiful harvest. “Visions of Hope” is highly recommended and I give it five palm trees..
Fan mail:
"Hi Ellen, I wanna do your song Honolua Bay"
—George Kahumoku Jr., Grammy Award Winner
www.kahumoku.com/index.htm
Just wanted to say I really enjoyed hearing your band yesterday and also at the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts. You write such wonderful songs! I was especially pleased to hear "Grain of Promise" yesterday. And I was grooving to the samba-ish ones too, especially "Honolua Bay." . Keep it up, girl!
—Jayme Kelly Curtis, Singer-Songwriter, Boulder Creek, CA
September 13, 2004
Congratulations, Ellen: Great CD--
beautiful music, amazing lyrics, gorgeous photography and design. Your lyrics and imagery are pretty darn profound: you are a poet, philosopher and psychologist. I am impressed. Thanks for the album, Ellen.
—John Adamo, Fan
P. S. I could "see" and hear those MGM musical in "Jump Into the Rain."
"Ellen, You are so wonderfully talented and dear...your music and art make this world a sweeter, easier place to be in; lucky us for you!"
—Gwen Thomas, Singer-Songwriter, Terri & Gwen duo, Portland, Oregon
Wow ! It was really fun to see you perform yesterday. You and your group are wonderful ! We especially liked the "Hawaiian country" feel to all the songs. What a treat!
—Donna and Gary Allard, South San Francisco, CA
"Hi Ellen aka Ms. Multi-talented, You have such a great voice and what a talented group of musicians!"
—Donna Okino, Artist, San Carlos, CA
Dear Ellen... your music, I am just loving it... it is so beautiful. Your lyrics ... the instruments and styles...
so beautiful and then, out of all that, all of a sudden there is this miracle shining lyric path... such beautiful words sung so beautifully:
"(I believe) in what comes and goes in a single day, I wanna have that faith in love" (from "Rhythms of Earth & Sky") " .... boom!...I only get to hear it once... it just arrives there at the end like huge and breathless adamacy, and, "holding tight to the hope with one lasting grain of promise," (from "Grain of Promise") jeez Ellen...and.... "never had no angels watching by, keeping us dry when the storm remained" (from "Never Had no Angels")... all your songs are so beautiful ..."for you are like the magic I've found only in my dreams... but stronger then any imagining... (from "Stars on a String, co-written with Denée Deckert)...well, I'll quit quoting my point to you :-) such beautiful music, such beautiful singing: so, this is just to thank you and let you know that I'm dancin' around up here in my neck o' the woods and singin' along....
--Lygia, Singer-Songwriter, Northern California
March 2003
For those who missed it, Ellen Silva put on a great show at the San Gregorio Store. Ellen tried (but failed) to hide behind the great voice of Denee Deckert and the fine percussion of Sue Smith. But in between we finally got to hear Ellen herself sing. She sings good! (who knew?). She wrote most of the songs, and if you haven't heard them, there are a lot of catchy melodies and lyrics -- you keep saying "I wonder who wrote THAT?" I listened to their CD ("Island Dream") all the way home, and the music wears very well. San Gregorio was jumpin', with about 100000000 bicyclists and a couple hundred Harley Davidsons. The entire contingent of mid-coast California Highway Patrol was called out to keep order, possibly because Ellen was singing, I'm not sure. We only got a short time to say "hi" before Ellen was off to her next gig of the day.
--Jack Ghiselli, M'Earthtones, August 2005
Ellen’s music is evocative of so many musical styles. She has the amazing knack of creating songs and ballads that deliver a sense of immediacy, intimacy, and warmth. At the same moment she never lets the music wander or stray. More than any recent artist I know, Ellen’s vocals and superb guitar work will make you sway like one of those Hawaiian palm trees. Ellen shares the vocal chores on this recording with Denée who is a fine musician in her own right. The collaboration between all the musicians conjures up images of a late night jam session in the quiet of a comfortable living room or an afternoon on a warm tropical beach.
The first cut on this CD, "Island Dream" starts out with snappy rhythms of the islands. Denée does a great job on the ukulele and Sue Smith’s conga work made me want to dance. Felonius's mandolin performance, and Ellen's guitar work compliment the tune perfectly. This is great song and it beautifully showcases Ellen’s vocals and excellent craftsmanship. Other favorite cuts on this CD, include "Window To My Heart," which has wonderful dobro passages, and "If It Takes Every Day" which showcases Ellen's and Denée's beautiful harmonies.
Ellen has assembled a fine group of talented musicians on this recording. I could go on talking about Preston’s great bass playing or Sue’s soothing rhythms on the conga, and that alone should be enough to make you want to own this recording. As you listen to this CD, you too will be transported to destinations of lazy summer days and tropical paradise. It’s a great journey while it lasts. Now that the winter is upon us, take a listen and let the sun filter through those bulky winter clothes. You’ll love it! --Jeff Lionz, CCMC Quarter Notes, CD Reviews, Jan. 2000
"I have just been listening to "Island Dream," I like it very much. It is...
a real taste of tropical sunshine! The songs are moving, and they make you feel good. Also, the sound is quite excellent... Very versatile songwriting and a great band sound to boot." --David Stafford, KKUP Radio, 91.5 FM, Friday Folk-Off Show, Santa Clara, CA
"Just finished listening to "Island Dream" for about the fourth time. It's a great CD and
I always enjoy listening to your CDs... I know of know one else who incorporates such a distinctive sense of rythym into their music. Lots of people seem to forget the R -word in music."
--Ken Luey California Coast Music Camp Alumni and amazing sax player!
"Whether they're folk, jazz, Latin-flavored or swing, Ellen's songs communicate hope. Optimism is liable to pop up anywhere. --Stacy Trevenon , Half Moon Bay Review, 1996
A singer-songwriter who has come into her own in the last few years, both as a writer and guitarist, proving that hard work does pay off. The results are a tribute to the sensitive songwriting> —Richard Johnston, Gryphon Gazette, 1996
"Ellen Silva is a great local songwriter and guitarist."--Lisa Burns, Bluegrass by the Bay, 1996
"I can't say which I have enjoyed more: working on Ellen's beautiful songs or the satisfaction of finally having them recorded so I can listen to them whenever I want to. I am a fan of both her songwriting and her charming and honest voice." --Linda Waterfall, Singer/Songwriter/Producer, Seattle, WA, 1996
by Linda Waterfall
What a gem! As always, your songwriting knocks me out. You were smart to put "After Hours" first. It's one of your best, what a great song. I also really loved "Visions of Hope". It's a re-emergence of a theme I see in your writing, but it's as fresh as ever, a new way of speaking it and the music is so beautiful. I also really liked Sugar and Spice. Please tell Denée for me that her lead vocal on "Sugar and Spice" is terrific.....
"The Promise of My Love" -- wow. You have such a knack for putting these profound and subtle insights into language that is so musical and sing-able.
It's great to have the album on and be listening. I feel like you guys are right there...
—Linda Waterfall
Singer-Songwriter, Seattle, Washington
—Ken Luey, CCMC Quarter Notes (California Coast Music Camp Newsletter)
I first met Ellen Silva at CCMC No. 2. In band class and later in the student concert, I played congas on her tune “River of Love.” This great song is built on an infectious Latin beat and it tells its story in a simple, straightforward way. At the time, I thought, “Boy, I don’t know who this is, but she sure is good.” That was 14 years ago, and every summer since then, one of my camp week highlights has been to hear Ellen’s new songs.
Ellen has now released her third CD, “Visions of Hope,” and most of the twelve songs contain all of the wonderful Ellen Silva musical signatures, including her own synthesis of world rhythms and grooves combined with direct lyrics that get right to the heart of the matter. In “Honolua Bay,” Denée Deckert’s fluid vocal and sparkling ukulele drift over breezes of Jeff Smith’s Hawaiian guitar, Preston Carter’s electric bass, and Sue Smith’s brushes, while Ellen provides solid rhythm guitar and harmony vocals.
Denée sings:
"Slow island rhythms will rock you to sleep
Even though I’ll be gone, dear,
Look for me in your dreams."
And what’s this happening on “Palm-Filled Paradise?” Something like a languid chacha in a minor scale that goes into and out of a jazz blues feel. What great jam tune this would be. I could play it all night, and I have already enjoyed playing along with it. In this new crop of songs there are many things going on, some of which I have not heard before, and these things suggest that Ellen’s musical craftsmanship is increasing in its sophistication. “After Hours” is a swing tune with an attractive bounce in both the beat and melody. I like how the lyric and melody jump as Ellen sings: “I will be pleased to be in your com-pa-ny after hours....” Kristen Strom adds the finishing touch with burnished clarinet. The whole gang, including Karen SooHoo on drums and tambourine, John Treacy on mandolin, and Kristen on saxophone, channel Van Morrison on “Magic Happens (Whenever I’m with You).” It has a punchy R&B horn arrangement and fine, soulful mandolin from John.
For me, the killer tune is “Visions of Hope.” This song clearly establishes Ellen Silva as a master songwriter. It is filled with colorful intervals and sinuous lines. It has the tints and hues of “Stardust” or “Sophisticated Lady.” It is no frivolous jingle. Consequently, to my ear, it does not sound like an easy song to sing. And yet Denée hits all those color tones pure and on the mark. She displays marvelous vocal chops on this song and brings to it much feeling and heart. In closing, “Visions of Hope” covers a lot of musical ground, and it’s all ground that’s rich and deep. Ellen has tended to it with immaculate care and brings from it a bountiful harvest. “Visions of Hope” is highly recommended and I give it five palm trees..
Fan mail:
"Hi Ellen, I wanna do your song Honolua Bay"
—George Kahumoku Jr., Grammy Award Winner
www.kahumoku.com/index.htm
Just wanted to say I really enjoyed hearing your band yesterday and also at the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts. You write such wonderful songs! I was especially pleased to hear "Grain of Promise" yesterday. And I was grooving to the samba-ish ones too, especially "Honolua Bay." . Keep it up, girl!
—Jayme Kelly Curtis, Singer-Songwriter, Boulder Creek, CA
September 13, 2004
Congratulations, Ellen: Great CD--
beautiful music, amazing lyrics, gorgeous photography and design. Your lyrics and imagery are pretty darn profound: you are a poet, philosopher and psychologist. I am impressed. Thanks for the album, Ellen.
—John Adamo, Fan
P. S. I could "see" and hear those MGM musical in "Jump Into the Rain."
"Ellen, You are so wonderfully talented and dear...your music and art make this world a sweeter, easier place to be in; lucky us for you!"
—Gwen Thomas, Singer-Songwriter, Terri & Gwen duo, Portland, Oregon
Wow ! It was really fun to see you perform yesterday. You and your group are wonderful ! We especially liked the "Hawaiian country" feel to all the songs. What a treat!
—Donna and Gary Allard, South San Francisco, CA
"Hi Ellen aka Ms. Multi-talented, You have such a great voice and what a talented group of musicians!"
—Donna Okino, Artist, San Carlos, CA
Dear Ellen... your music, I am just loving it... it is so beautiful. Your lyrics ... the instruments and styles...
so beautiful and then, out of all that, all of a sudden there is this miracle shining lyric path... such beautiful words sung so beautifully:
"(I believe) in what comes and goes in a single day, I wanna have that faith in love" (from "Rhythms of Earth & Sky") " .... boom!...I only get to hear it once... it just arrives there at the end like huge and breathless adamacy, and, "holding tight to the hope with one lasting grain of promise," (from "Grain of Promise") jeez Ellen...and.... "never had no angels watching by, keeping us dry when the storm remained" (from "Never Had no Angels")... all your songs are so beautiful ..."for you are like the magic I've found only in my dreams... but stronger then any imagining... (from "Stars on a String, co-written with Denée Deckert)...well, I'll quit quoting my point to you :-) such beautiful music, such beautiful singing: so, this is just to thank you and let you know that I'm dancin' around up here in my neck o' the woods and singin' along....
--Lygia, Singer-Songwriter, Northern California
March 2003
For those who missed it, Ellen Silva put on a great show at the San Gregorio Store. Ellen tried (but failed) to hide behind the great voice of Denee Deckert and the fine percussion of Sue Smith. But in between we finally got to hear Ellen herself sing. She sings good! (who knew?). She wrote most of the songs, and if you haven't heard them, there are a lot of catchy melodies and lyrics -- you keep saying "I wonder who wrote THAT?" I listened to their CD ("Island Dream") all the way home, and the music wears very well. San Gregorio was jumpin', with about 100000000 bicyclists and a couple hundred Harley Davidsons. The entire contingent of mid-coast California Highway Patrol was called out to keep order, possibly because Ellen was singing, I'm not sure. We only got a short time to say "hi" before Ellen was off to her next gig of the day.
--Jack Ghiselli, M'Earthtones, August 2005
Ellen’s music is evocative of so many musical styles. She has the amazing knack of creating songs and ballads that deliver a sense of immediacy, intimacy, and warmth. At the same moment she never lets the music wander or stray. More than any recent artist I know, Ellen’s vocals and superb guitar work will make you sway like one of those Hawaiian palm trees. Ellen shares the vocal chores on this recording with Denée who is a fine musician in her own right. The collaboration between all the musicians conjures up images of a late night jam session in the quiet of a comfortable living room or an afternoon on a warm tropical beach.
The first cut on this CD, "Island Dream" starts out with snappy rhythms of the islands. Denée does a great job on the ukulele and Sue Smith’s conga work made me want to dance. Felonius's mandolin performance, and Ellen's guitar work compliment the tune perfectly. This is great song and it beautifully showcases Ellen’s vocals and excellent craftsmanship. Other favorite cuts on this CD, include "Window To My Heart," which has wonderful dobro passages, and "If It Takes Every Day" which showcases Ellen's and Denée's beautiful harmonies.
Ellen has assembled a fine group of talented musicians on this recording. I could go on talking about Preston’s great bass playing or Sue’s soothing rhythms on the conga, and that alone should be enough to make you want to own this recording. As you listen to this CD, you too will be transported to destinations of lazy summer days and tropical paradise. It’s a great journey while it lasts. Now that the winter is upon us, take a listen and let the sun filter through those bulky winter clothes. You’ll love it! --Jeff Lionz, CCMC Quarter Notes, CD Reviews, Jan. 2000
"I have just been listening to "Island Dream," I like it very much. It is...
a real taste of tropical sunshine! The songs are moving, and they make you feel good. Also, the sound is quite excellent... Very versatile songwriting and a great band sound to boot." --David Stafford, KKUP Radio, 91.5 FM, Friday Folk-Off Show, Santa Clara, CA
"Just finished listening to "Island Dream" for about the fourth time. It's a great CD and
I always enjoy listening to your CDs... I know of know one else who incorporates such a distinctive sense of rythym into their music. Lots of people seem to forget the R -word in music."
--Ken Luey California Coast Music Camp Alumni and amazing sax player!
"Whether they're folk, jazz, Latin-flavored or swing, Ellen's songs communicate hope. Optimism is liable to pop up anywhere. --Stacy Trevenon , Half Moon Bay Review, 1996
A singer-songwriter who has come into her own in the last few years, both as a writer and guitarist, proving that hard work does pay off. The results are a tribute to the sensitive songwriting> —Richard Johnston, Gryphon Gazette, 1996
"Ellen Silva is a great local songwriter and guitarist."--Lisa Burns, Bluegrass by the Bay, 1996
"I can't say which I have enjoyed more: working on Ellen's beautiful songs or the satisfaction of finally having them recorded so I can listen to them whenever I want to. I am a fan of both her songwriting and her charming and honest voice." --Linda Waterfall, Singer/Songwriter/Producer, Seattle, WA, 1996