Within Tension by Ross Neilsen
Tension: The state or degree of being stretched, mental or emotional strain; stress. A situation or condition of hostility, suspense, or uneasiness.
The album was recorded in January 2025 at Sam Phillips Recording Services in Memphis, while Ross was representing Saskatchewan at the International Blues Challenge, where he, once again, reached the semi-finals.
Produced by Ross Neilsen, Kevin Houston, and John C. Stubblefield, the ten-track album blends high-octane blues-rock with raw emotional storytelling. It features contributions from Memphis heavyweights including Rick Steff and John C. Stubblefield of Lucero, Marc Franklin and Art Edmaiston (Gregg Allman Band, Little Feat), and drummer, Jay Sheffield III.
With the exception of one track (Someting Heavy by Eddie Hinton) all songs were written or co-written by Neilsen. The album explores themes of mental health, parenthood, identity, belonging, and isolation.
This project wouldn’t exist without the community that backed it: friends, fans, and supporters who helped make it happen through grassroots fundraising and belief in the music.
Tracklist
| 1. | Rock Ranger | |
| 2. | Best For You | 2:47 |
| 3. | Road To Memphis | |
| 4. | Salt and Sea | |
| 5. | Come To Be | 3:41 |
| 6. | Devil's Picasso | |
| 7. | Troubled Mind | |
| 8. | Something Heavy | |
| 9. | Good Enough | 4:11 |
| 10. | Bold and Beaten | |
Credits
Recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Services January 4-7, 2025
Produced by Ross Neilsen, Kevin Houston and John C. Stubblefield
Mixed and Engineered by Kevin Houston
Mastered by Ryan Morey
Ross Neilsen - All Guitars and Vocals
John C. Stubblefield - Bass Guitar, Vibe
Rick Steff - All Keyboards
Jay Sheffield III - All Drums, BG Vocals on Rock Ranger
Art Edmaiston - Tenor and Baritone Sax
Marc Franklin - Trumpet, Horn arrangements
Kevin Houston - Percussion
License
All rights reserved.
Saskatoon, SK
Two decades in the music industry has led Ross to stages from Montreal to Mexico and a long list of industry accolades Ross shines when he settles in behind a mic to deliver his signature finger style guitar playing, powerful vocals and deep soul songwriting.