“It's that mix of North and South, Big Easy and Big Apple, funk and futuristic sounds that makes Ellis one of the more exciting young artists to emerge in recent years."
- All About Jazz New York
WHO: THE JOHN ELLIS QUARTET (featuring John Ellis on saxophones, Mike Moreno on guitar, Alan Hampton on bass and Derrek Phillips on drums)
WHAT: John Ellis makes his Philadelphia debut performance leading his own band at Chris' Jazz Cafe on Friday, October 6th. The 32-year old tenor saxophonist, who first made a name for himself on the national music scene as a member of The Charlie Hunter Trio, recently released his latest album, By A Thread, on HYENA Records. This latest recording, which follows up last year's critically acclaimed, One Foot In The Swamp, marks the emergence of John Ellis as a full-time solo artist, having recently left his post in Charlie Hunter's group in which he served for over five years. With momentum building behind his own records and tours, Ellis felt it time to devote full energy to his own music. If the results on By A Thread are any indicator, the decision was a wise one.
On By A Thread, John Ellis is joined by a quintet that comprises some of the finest young musicians in modern jazz, including Aaron Goldberg on piano, Mike Moreno on guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass and Terreon Gully on drums. Opening the record with the full-tilt barnburner “Ferris Wheel," Ellis and company wind their way through nine original compositions that are at once dynamic and soulful. “Little Giggles," an undoubted album highlight, is an instant classic, showcasing Ellis' penchant for sweeping melodies and memorable jazz hooks that find their way deep into the listener's sub-conscience. On “Lonnie," Ellis crafts a sly and seductive funk-jazz number with a bold tenor saxophone lead wrapped around a slithery groove. It's a stunning example of the range Ellis and his band cover with aplomb.
John Ellis' previous record, One Foot In The Swamp, was met by critical acclaim upon its release in 2005. The New York Times declared: “John Ellis stays true to the idea of the Southern expression in jazz, from New Orleans funk to folkloric melodies, he has the knack for writing catchy, fluid, optimistic songs; but he is also fascinated by the ways musicians can break down structure and create it on the fly." While The New Orleans Times Picayune raved: “Ellis plays with a bold statement of purpose staking out his place at the vanguard of creative jazz." For the North Carolina native and one time New Orleans resident now living in New York City, the future is indeed bright. John Ellis is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players in modern jazz today.
WHERE: CHRIS' JAZZ CAFE 1421 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 215.568.3131
WHEN: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6TH Shows at: 9:00 PM (Two Sets)
PRICE: $12.00
For more information contact All About Jazz.
