ELLEN TIPPER: Flanagan's Field

Ellen Tipper

Flanagan's Field

© 2007 Ellen Tipper (837101424639)

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Acoustic piano folk pop - mellow, engaging, and warm

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By Dan Kimpel

Beyond the engaging songcraft, the assured vocal intimacy and the melodic purity, the spirit of Ellen Tipper’s artistry is a compelling, connective force that spins on an axis of innocence and experience.

On her new CD, Flanagan’s Field, the Maine-based artist alternates her own voice with the narratives from a rich cast of characters. In a trio of songs about women’s lives, “Not This Time” is the saga of an abused woman whose husband derides her intelligence while demanding her body. In “Let it Be Real,” the protagonist is a woman blindly searching for love in the aftermath of divorce, and “Play It Blue” offers a remedy for living with the disappointment that sometimes accompanies mature relationships.

Alternatively, the political reality of modern-day America provides the text of “Save Me,” as Tipper offers up this plea: “Save me from the cowboys who circle round the posse/to rope us in and keep us in their own sacred world,” while the gentle, contemplative “Crayons” paints a vivid spectrum of lush hues in jewel-toned lyrics. “Songwriting is a kind of anthropology for me – a way to make sense of humanity. When I bring the big questions down into specific experiences and stories, it makes me feel connected and real,” says Tipper.

Growing up in Maine, Tipper developed a healthy wanderlust, which she has indulged fully. As a classical pianist, broad interests swayed her from the conservatory life, but inspired her songwriting. After college and grad school in the U.S. and studies in London, her persistent interest in world cultures inspired a move to West Africa where she worked with women’s cooperatives and AIDS education efforts. “One of my favorite things to do is to go somewhere I don’t know and get lost, and have to try to make sense of my surroundings. The kindness of strangers is always surprising and beautiful.”

The rhythms of Africa pulsate in “Fatima,” where it’s evident that Tipper’s insights are deep. “Everyone wants to approach Africa with a solution but few people ask good questions first, she observes. “There are huge cities, enterprising people on the go, layers of social strata and an immense complexity in all of the cultures of the continent. But it’s the richness and depth of people’s souls that fascinate me most.”

As Ellen settles back into her native Maine, she returns to a locale imbued with “gentleness but an incredible harshness as well.” On morning walks, words appear to her and in long hours at the piano, in a stream of consciousness flow, lyrics evolve into songs. Whether inviting the listener to enjoy a sunset on Flanagan’s Field, to stroll among the children in an African village, or to open a box of crayons with a child, the minute details, the smallest observations and lyrical textures, are in perfect counterpoint to the endearing simplicity of the melodies. “Songs allow you to be transported,” Tipper observes. “Like traveling, it’s the crooked path that’s usually the most interesting. Distilling songs to their essence from that faucet of raw ideas is like emerging from that path, renewed, emboldened and ready for more.”

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  • Please don't build on......
    author: Mr. S. Lyall

    A nice mix of different musical styles and subject matter. Meaningful lyrics performed in a delicate vocal style. Being a sucker for piano melodies loved the title track (and the sentiments) but the fantastic'let it be real' reaches the parts other tracks cannot reach!!

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Sarah Montalbano

    This woman is truly an inspiration. Her music gets under your skin and forces a new perspective on the world. Highly recommended!

  • flanagan's field
    author: jean Hardy

    how can one put words to the beauty of this woman's amazing gift? As I did the first time I heard her music, I weep from the bottomless mystery of my humanity when I hear the aching vulnerability in her voice on the song "Flanagan's Field". Like a prayer spoken for us all, she makes a song that speaks to our universal need for simplicity and spaciousness.

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Laurie Vines McHugh

    Ellen, your voice, music and lyrics warm my soul. Thank you!

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Susie Allison

    I find myself singing the songs over and over again all day. Each tells a thoughtful and unique story with its own beautiful melody. Keep them coming Ellen!!

  • flanagan's Field
    author: John M. Schetky

    Just a complete pleasure. "All in a Day" is our work crew's new anthem! I keep an extra copy to share with anyone who needs some cheering-up.

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Margaret Hedeman

    This CD has been keeping me company in the car ever since I received it. I can concentrate on the words, which have deep meaning, and yet the style is soothing and comfortable so I don't drive off the road. Many of the songs have a catchy tune so I find myself humming bits and pieces throughout my day. Thanks Ellen!

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Eliza Smith Vallette

    I find myself sitting in the driveway, long after I've gotten home not being able to turn the CD off. Flanagan's Field is a delightful album. And yes, if you like Norah Jones, you'll love Ellen Tipper.

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Beth Fascitelli

    Smooth and sultry. Beautiful for early morning or evening listening. Thoughtful lyrics to which the common person can relate.

  • Incredible!
    author: Loren Andrews

    I'd heard her music was like Norah Jones, and it is, but better! My wife and I have listened happily to this wonderful combination of insightful lyrics and beautiful melodies so many times over the past few weeks -- it's become a staple on the CD player!

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Nancy & Dondi Best

    We thought the CD was awesome. Ellen has a beautiful voice and can seriously compete with the "big names" in music. I plan on buying more to share with my music buff friends. Shipping was quick and ordering was easy. Bravo to you!

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Anne

    I love it! I bought a few to give people for Christmas. I want everyone to hear her. Ellen has a beautiful voice and her song writing is poetic and insightful. She has great future!

  • flanagan's field
    author: nancy

    beautiful voice, very easy listening, thoughtful verse

  • Pure Poetry
    author: Chris Bostic

    This is beautiful. Please keep writing and playing.

  • A Masterpiece
    author: Sweet Tele

    What a fabulous CD! The collection of songs work together like the ingredients in an expertly prepared gourmet recipe. Subtle yet powerful and exquisitely delicious. A breath of freshness will overcome you while a familiar feel of classic and timeless works provide a solid foundation. Each song has an individual style and emotion that strikes a deep and luscious chord in your heart. Sometimes as delicate as a newborn, and other times with the innocence and fun loving spirit of a young child. It grabs onto emotions as serious and grown up as a relationship rediscovering love or of one falling apart at the seams. Soothing, Stimulating and Lively. “Fatima” may find you dreaming of skipping down a meandering path in an African country with several exuberant children dancing around you. “Play It Blue” brings on an aura of an intimate nightclub with crystal chandeliers and a grand piano whispering magical spells. “Crayons” is just plain fun and funky smooth! Simply Brilliant!

  • author: Stephen Hekman

    Very beautifully done and the piano melodies are inspiring!

  • Hip and Catchy
    author: Pete Kalajian

    Whoa, the whole family is singing, "Its alright, its OK, its all in a day", whenever something crappy happens around the house. Let the glass be knocked off the table, we know what to sing to make it alright! Ellen Tipper has put together a knockout debut album that reminds me of some of the other great breakout stuff from the likes of Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux: You want to play it over and over so that you have the lyrics and tune memorized. Not a bad tune on the CD. Treat yourself (and your family) to something real hip and catchy. Get Flannagan's Field.

  • A Gorgeous Album
    author: Christopher O'Brien

    Flanagan's Field is compelling from beginning to end. Tipper has a lovely voice and an intimate delivery. The lyrics--especially on songs like "Save Me" and the title track "Flanagan's Field--are haunting. A great album!

  • author: jennifer mirabile

    We love the sound and the beat to the songs on this album. Very engaging, with beautiful lyrics

  • Flanagan's Field
    author: Gerald Sabatino

    One of the best set of songs on one CD I've heard in a very long time.

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