With a bold and dynamic new single, Jonathan “Jelly” Ellington releases “Somebody to Love” today, March 21, offering the first taste of his album “Glow,” set to be released Friday, April 18. The track is a perfect introduction to the sonic depth of the album, blending Jelly’s signature blues rock with new experimental elements. While the album touches on a variety of genres, from disco and rock to R&B and folk, it maintains an underlying roots-rock vibe throughout. Written during a pivotal chapter of his life, “Glow” captures Jelly’s journey of perseverance, healing, and personal growth after experiencing the loss of his home in a devastating fire – the album explores finding light in the darkest times. Jelly and his band are hosting an exclusive VIP listening party where you can experience the album before the release in Orb Studio A (9306 Ledgestone Terrace, Austin, TX 78737) on April 12 – RSVP here. Jelly and his band will perform live at Antone’s (305 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701) on April 23, debuting the new album to his hometown crowd. Purchase tickets to the show here
In addition to releasing the album, Jelly will premiere the music video for “Somebody to Love” on April 4. A second single, “Goodbye Rain,” will be released on April 8, and behind-the-scenes documentary episodes, providing an inside look into the making of “Glow,” will be available on April 11, April 25, May 2, and May 9.
Born from the ashes of a traumatic loss, “Glow” captures Jelly Ellington’s quest for healing and transformation. After the devastating fire that took his South Austin home, Jelly poured his grief, resilience, and hope into this album. Each track tells a story of rebuilding and reclaiming a sense of self.
“This album represents the rawest parts of me,” Jelly shares. “It’s the sound of being knocked down, but also the strength to get back up and find the light again.”
The creation of “Glow” unfolded over several months, starting with Jelly’s initial demos written in the misty mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. These early recordings laid the groundwork for the album’s expansive sound, capturing the essence of his story. Once Jelly moved to Austin, he teamed up with producer Nick Perri (founder of Silvertide and Nick Perri and the Underground Thieves) and engineer Austin Asvanonda at Orb Studios to further develop the tracks. Their collaboration, along with contributions from longtime friends and bandmates Cole Gramling (keys), Alex Geismar (drums), Stefan Ringer (bass), formed the solid rhythmic foundation that complemented Jelly’s fiery guitar work and soulful vocals. The album was mastered by Nick Landis, ensuring a polished and cohesive tone across the entire project.
