Since his early days with the popular Atlanta band the Heartfixers in the early 1980s, deep Southern blues-rocker Tinsley Ellis has been cranking out riffs that are hotter than Georgia asphalt, and just as likely to make people’s feet jump. Ellis stepped out as a front man on 1988’s Georgia Blue (Alligator) and began building his reputation as a tireless journeyman whose fan base now stretches to blues clubs and festivals around the globe. While he’s widely respected by fellow Southern blues artists like Gregg Allman and Derek Trucks—even jamming with the latter last New Year’s Eve in Atlanta’s Fox Theater—Ellis’s star is more easily overlooked. Still, his playing burns brighter than ever. This pass through town finds him celebrating a new release on Alligator entitled Moment of Truth. As any long-time fan will attest, the disc is loaded with his signature heavy grooves and blistering licks—the raw blues boogie of a seasoned house rocker. The Tinsley Ellis Blues Band will play two sets at Nietzsche’s (for the price of one), and jazz singer Anne Philippone will open the show .

Friday, December 7 at 8pm. Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen Street (886-8539/nietzsches.com). $13 advance or $15 day of show