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Copyright ©
MikeEllisMusic.com 2005 |
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Speak in Tones - 2005 |
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The Speak in Tones debut release “Subaro” is the result of a three year collaboration between two New York based artists: percussionist,
composer, producer Daniel Moreno and saxophonist, composer, producer Mike Ellis who along with the generous participation of DJ/soundman
Sharif, produced and co-lead a two year series of Thursday night concert/ multi-media events (2002-2004) at the New York underground haven
“56 Walker Street”* with top Modern Jazz, World, Urban-Afrobeat, West African, and Latino musicians as well as a host of dancers, action
painters and video artists.
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Chicago Spontaneous Combustion Suite - 2000 |
Combustion Suite" is the first in a series of completely improvised
recordings which includes "The Shamans Dance," "Invite
the unexpected," "Jazz Renegades" and Speak in Tones "Suabaro."
This recording was
done in late 2000 and is my way of tipping my hat to the plethora of unrecognized
talent in Chicago. Putting the band on the spot and having fun no holds
barred is what it's all about.
I've been collaborating
with the player Jeff Beer for twenty years starting with my first CD release
in 1985 the now out of print "What else is New;" we first met
playing with the Alan Silva in the early 80's in Paris. He is truly wonderful
artist and extremely well rounded composer who has continued to produce
great music against all odds as permanent fixture of the Chicago underground.
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The Shaman's Dance - 2002 - Mike Ellis World Jazz Ensemble |
This project basically came together over one year period; the catalyst
of course was my recent discovery of the extraordinary musicianship of Bolot
Bairyshev and Andrei Mangoosh. I first heard Bolot perform at a benefit
for the Dalai Lama in the Moscow performance space "Dom" where
I also met Bob Amacker the same evening. I was literally mesmerized by his
performance and befriended Bolot and Bob on the spot. This concert was my
introduction to throat singing in live performance, and the music of South
Western Siberian region known as Altai.
Bob who has traveled
extensively in Tuva, region which is North West of Mongolia played a recording
of Andrei and himself for Barry and me, and once again I was enthralled
by what I heard; it was at this point that the project began to take shape.
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Live in Russia - 2002 - Mike Ellis Quartet |
This recording is important
to me not only because I think it's a good exxample of what I sound like
on tour or that it's the first time that I've recorded any classic jazz
compositions, but also because it documents my first two concerts in Russia
and my first ebcounter with Alex, Lev, and Edik (who have since become my
good friends).
LIVE IN RUSSIA is my
first release in Russia, my father's homeland a place where I have come
to forge very strong ties in the last few years... this one goes out to
you Pop.
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