Song Review: Robert Ellis - “Free Man in Paris”
Even if he hadn’t been sick (he was), and even if he’d played the song before (he hadn’t), it would be hard to fault Robert Ellis for having difficulty with the vocals on his cover of “Free Man in Paris.”
Joined by guitarist Kelly Doyle, Ellis performed the song from Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark on the Dutch television program “Onder Invloed” (“The Influences”). Keeping close to Mitchell’s original 1974 arrangement, and with nifty flourishes from Doyle on electric, Ellis turns in a musically pleasing rendition.
But he does have serious trouble with the vocals. Whether it’s due to his illness, his inexperience with the song or whether he’s simply - and understandably - struggling with Mitchell’s impossible range, Ellis sounds lost as a singer, even as his playing follows Mitchell’s chord progressions to a T - or perhaps a G.
It’s a nice try and a nicer tribute. But it’s ultimately a cover that’ll send most listeners running back to the original. And if Ellis’ “Free Man in Paris” turns even one person on to the magic of Mitchell, it’ll be a magnificent success.
Grade card: Robert Ellis - “Free Man in Paris” - C-
