"His playing underscores the emotional depth in the lyrics. Ellis' meaty solo digs so deep it's party to the protagonist's revelation of grief and pain. Unlike most bluesmen, each of his recordings over the last seven decades or so is stronger, more confident, and unabashedly more musical than its predecessor. On Ice Cream in Hell, Ellis' songwriting and singing finally match the prowess in his playing, and we are all richer for it"