Artist description Ellsworth and Hicks combine the songwriting talents of George Ellsworth Tocci and Phil Hicks. Using only an acoustic guitar, clarinet, harmonicas and vocal harmonies they pay very little attention to genres.With original songs strong enough to withstand the "merely trendy", they have always cleared their own path. If anything, they fall loosely into the Folk/Punk/Blues thing.

Music Style Folk/Punk/Blues

Musical Influences Bob Dylan, George Clinton, Beatles, Stones, Nirvana, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Lightnin' Hopkins, Fats Waller, Louis Jordan

Similar Artists Ellsworth and Hicks

Artist History October, 1980 seems like a lifetime ago now. That's when two guys met at a pretentious little dinner party in the suburbs. Neither of them had anything in common with the gourmet-minded guests. Both of them couldn't wait for the chance to duck outside for some "fresh air". Little did they know that their conversation that night would be the start of a musical relationship that would last so long. After all, what would a white guy from central Massachusetts have in common with a black guy from southern Ohio anyway? One listened to Bob Dylan while the other dug George Clinton. They both loved music and had played in various configurations of bands. What they soon discovered was that they liked many of the same artists. They also shared an affinity for strong melodies, tight harmonies and a straight-forward approach to songwriting which incorporated diverse styles and influences. The result of this musical marriage is an acoustic duo whose sound is both fresh and familiar; certainly heartfelt; but not unwilling to laugh at itself.

Group Members Ellsworth: Guitar, harmonicas and vocals - Hicks: Clarinet, harmonicas and vocals

Instruments Guitar, clarinet, harmonica and vocals.

Albums "Ask Around" 1999 by Twilights Own Music

Press Reviews SOUND VIEWS - Subterranean Music & Culture - NYC “...Whether harmonizing, trading instrumental licks, or just exchanging onstage banter (earning their reputation as the coffeehouse Cosby and Culp), these two settle into their repertoire like a pair of old cats on a windowsill. Their music is cool, observant, and delivered with a baggy-pants soul that sounds like it’s seen the country from the door of a boxcar. All eleven songs are originals, so there’s no “Mr. Bojangles” on this, but they do sing about winners and losers, dreams and memories...recorded live in the studio, with minimum fixing and no effects to speak of.....this approach might not make them rich, but the music certainly is. Mark K. - Sound Views, NYC .................................................................................................................................. WPKN FM - BRIDGEPORT, CT “These guys are a must hear! And musical soulmates too. Listening to them reminds me of all the reasons that I went into radio." Ruth Eddy - WPKN ............................................................................................................................ WKNH FM - KEENE, NH “A class act from start to finish.” Bill Hay - WKNH ............................................................................................................................ amazon.com - Online reviews “...folk, blues, country, a hint of Broadway showtunes and 50's doo-wop presented in a wonderfully spare production of guitar, clarinet and harmonica. This is the place to go for tight, mellow harmonies and funny, literate lyrics. Hicks' warm, amber voice provides a nice contrast to Ellsworth's brighter croonings..."Moonlight Over the Factories" is an evocative, country-tinged paean to a small hometown with its simple, yearning melodies. "Family Tree Blues," "But I'm Not" and "Absolutely Maybe" reflect the humorous influence of Louis Jordan; these guys are having a good time and invite you to join in. Elegant in its simplicity, Ask Around satisfies.” S. Leal - amazon.com ............................................................................................................................

Location Brooklyn, NY - USA

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