REVIEWS

“HOME” Review by James Killen, HoustonMusicReview.com

George Ensle has just released his latest CD, “Home”, recorded with Berkalin Records. George is a Texas singer songwriter writing from the same tradition that Willie Nelson, Guy Clark and Stephen Fromholz wrote from. George recorded his first record in 1978 and has stayed true to the traditional country/ folk roots. “Home” can claim contributions of musicians like Warren Hood, Stephen Doster, John Inmon and Christine Albert.

George’s down home country philosophy comes through on many of the tunes on this disc, a simple wisdom mellowed with age and set to the music of a guitar that rings clear as a bell. “Black Sheep” pays homage to those souls that live the life of a friend in need, while “Gloves” tells of having a work ethic passed down by one’s father. “Ode to Jake” tells a story of a young man that strays, a grown man that hesitates to help and an unlikely hero. “All I Need” talks of the unexpected ways that prayers are answered while “Psalm” gives thanks to the Creator.

“Home” has its love songs as well. The title track speaks of two young folks that have learned hard life lessons and find each other as they head for home. “Old Love” speaks of love that ages well while “Old Windmill Waltz” tells the story of just such a love.

If your idea of country music is loud guitar solos and songs about sex and booze, you might need to pass this one on by. If you are looking for some fine songs about life as a real living and loving person delivered with a Texas accent, then “Home” would be a fine addition to your collection.

”All I Need” is an anthem for the life that we all hope for… -- Dalis Allen-Producer Kerrville Folk Festival

George Ensle’s latest album is testimony to his passion for the craft...It does what music should do: It heals the heart and inspires the soul. -- Tony Ramey Multi-Platinum - Award Winning Songwriter

George blends spoken word with his deep clear vocals, telling lessons of righteous living and hard work that seems to have been lost in the world, as we know it today…worthy of a Grammy, not only writing, but production. A winner from beginning to end… 2-thumbs up for the new release, "Home." -- Tom Tranchilla Host: Songwriters Studio KPFT, 90.1, Houston, Tx. ...

Delicate arrangements...stunning singer/songwriter...Mike the Frenchy Pena

"Peer Praises: Townes Van Zandt named George Ensle as one of his most influential and admired contemporary performers"
-Frets Magazine

"The DISCovery of the day…Refreshingly bluesy…classic singer/songwriter troubadour…living proof that the venerable singer-songwriter still thrives in Texas."
-Music Row Magazine/Nashville, TN

"George Ensle can be proud…this is his best album to-date. "BUILD A BRIDGE" is an uplifting, inspirational collection of stories set to energetic folk arrangements. Ensle's voice is comfortable and inviting, keeping you listening with ease and eagerness… "Daybreak Snow" is haunted throughout by Townes Van Zandt's spirit, and he would have loved to cover this song… I feel improved just by hearing this disc. If you are inclined to buy your first George Ensle CD, start with this one."
-Lucky Boyd co-founder/MyTexasMusic

"George Ensle... a song painter...mood-set pieces and deft strokes of masterful picking... easy... beautiful...bluesy...crafts a touching portrait."
-Jim Caligiuri
Build A Bridge C.D. Review/The Austin Chronicle

"George is a genuine Texas troubadour, playing and singing in the tradition of Townes, Jerry Jeff and Guy…George's songs are storysongs … The lyrics tell us about real people and life in general. All the Liveset songs are wonderful, George alternates perfectly between ballads and up-tempo tunes. A great CD."
-Fred Schmalle-MAZZ MUSIKAS/Antwerp, Belgium

"…what I really like in your music is that you give the feeling it comes from your soul...it sounds true…perfect spirit..."
-Mike Penard, Disc Jockey, Mike the Frenchy/FRANCE

"HEAD-ON is an impressive album…shows a lot of maturity…great compositions…great country-folk album from Texas."
-Oldie-Markt/Hamburg, W. Germany

"…a real surprise…it's good to know this songwriting tradition is continuing full-force through Ensle"
-Texas Monthly Magazine/Austin, TX

"An engaging singer…original."
-Houston Chronicle

"On top of the list of the best…jazzy acoustic folk."
-Austin American Statesman

"Timeless…perfection at every turn…somewhere between the poignancy of Townes Van Zandt and the cavalier comfort of Willie Nelson. …I'm trying hard to think of an album with as much heart. Nope, nothing comes to mind."
-My Texas Music.com

"Who's admired as an acoustic finger picking guitarist almost as much as he's respected as a folk/country singer-songwriter…Ensle's most engaging characteristics, his warmth and sincerity."
-Third Coast Music