Tinsley Ellis Releases New Video for “Sweet Ice Tea” from Acclaimed Acoustic Album Labor Of Love

Tinsley Ellis Releases New Video for “Sweet Ice Tea” from Acclaimed Acoustic Album Labor Of Love
​

Renowned blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Tinsley Ellis has released a new video for “Sweet Ice Tea,” a standout track from his latest album, Labor Of Love. The record marks Ellis’ second acoustic album—following the Blues Music Award–nominated Naked Truth (2024)—and his first fully acoustic project featuring all original material. Labor Of Love is available now on CD, Georgia peach–colored vinyl LP, and through all major digital platforms.

Since its release, Labor Of Love has received widespread praise from leading publications including No Depression, AllMusic, Living Blues, Blues Music Magazine, and Relix, along with numerous outlets throughout the UK and Europe. Ellis also graced the cover of the February 2026 issue of Vintage Guitar. “Sweet Ice Tea” debuted on the nationally syndicated radio program Acoustic Café, which airs in more than 120 markets.

The album has also achieved major chart success, reaching #1 on the NACC Blues Chart, #1 on The Big Blues Radio Chart, and landing in the Top 50 of the Folk Alliance International Radio Chart. Labor Of Love continues to appear near the top of blues radio charts worldwide, including France, Australia, Canada, and the UK.

“‘Sweet Ice Tea’ is a hill country blues stomper with a plaintive shout-out to the love of my life — soul food,” Ellis says. “We hope it leaves listeners hungry for more songs from Labor Of Love.” The video was directed by filmmaker Tony Bieser, who also directed Ellis’ previous videos for “Too Broke” and “Hoodoo Woman.”

With Labor Of Love, Ellis delivers a raw, self-produced set of 13 original songs, performed with striking emotional honesty. The album weaves modern blues stories of floods, fires, voodoo spirits, personal trials, and redemption. From the feral opener “Hoodoo Woman,” to the groove-driven “Long Time,” to the haunting “To A Hammer,” and the stomping “Sunnyland,” Ellis channels the deep tradition of acoustic blues while bringing a distinctive modern voice to the genre.

Each performance carries the experience and wisdom Ellis has gained from more than four decades on the road, making Labor Of Love one of the most powerful and intimate recordings of his career. The album spans the emotional spectrum, balancing reflective beauty with foot-stomping intensity.

Ellis is currently touring nationwide on his “Two Guitars And A Car” solo tour, performing stripped-down acoustic blues sets that highlight the raw essence of the music.
“No matter what I play, I like to have an edge,” Ellis says. “For me, just playing this music is truly a labor of love. I sat at the feet of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Howlin’ Wolf. I got into this music because of them. I always told myself that if I could make a living playing the blues, I’d be successful.”

Watch the video for “Sweet Ice Tea” now and discover Labor Of Love, available everywhere music is sold and streamed.

Website:
tinsleyellis.com

​