Melissa Ellen

Forward into the Past

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Melissa Ellen, vocals; Joseph Patrick Moore, all basses; Omar Phillips and Emrah Kotan, percussion; Vincent Hart, hand claps; Carlton Clark, Rhodes electric piano; Peter Vogl, Vic Stafford, Tom Righi, Billy Odum, and Jeep Hook, guitars; Rick Hinkle, guitar, ukulele, coral sitar; Buzz Amato, clavinet; John Driskell Hopkins, Nita Love, Sarah Mackley, Latasha Williams, Kenya King, Lisa Irby, Alicia Terry, background vocals

Vocal coach Melissa Ellen reconstructs eleven hit pop tunes of the last thirty years by such artists as Kenny Loggins, the Police, Sting, Kansas, Cyndi Lauper, the Cars, and Michael Jackson.

These are very different interpretations sung with a strong conviction by Melissa-passionate, sultry, raunchy, heartfelt, and sorrowful where required. There is always a lot going on in the background, with some strong bass playing by Joseph Patrick Moore, and Melissa is responsible for all the background vocal arrangements. All this offers a strong backbone for Melissa to lay her considerable talent upon. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" would be my favorites.

By Ferdinand Maylin