Roddy Ellias: Acoustic Jazz Beyond Borders

 

“Moon Over Lake is a beautiful solo album full of emotions and colors. I love Roddy’s compositions and his warm and rich tone. I wanted to listen to one tune to start with but ended up listening to the whole album. What a beautiful Journey…” Lionel Loueke, guitarist (Herbie Hancock, Chris Potter, Gretchen Parlato)

 

“I’m lucky to be friends with Roddy Ellias, who happens to be one of the finest guitarists on planet earth. This is so beautiful.” Joel Frahm (Betty Carter, Brad Mehldau, Kurt Elling)

 

Canadian jazz guitarist and composer, Roddy Ellias brings five decades of unique and compelling music to the world. With an eclectic approach that defies simple classification , Roddy has developed an innovative guitar style that intricately melds classical, African and Brazillian musical ideas within a deep tradition of jazz. 

 

“A composer of extraordinary talent … His creativity is so obvious, that it is at once both startling and inspiring” Dr. Steve Kinigstein, Just Jazz Guitar

 

His musical journey began at the age of five, when he started improvising on his grandmother’s piano. Decades later, he continues to explore new musical possibilities, developing his unusual composition and playing approach. 

 

From the early days at Uncle Charlie’s Chicken and Ribs Jazz Joint to performing for the Queen of England to creating a unique chamber jazz opera with puppets, Roddy has carved a musical space for himself unlike any other. Along the way, he’s also enjoyed performing with many of the greats, including Lee Konitz, David Liebman, Kenny Wheeler, Cleo Laine, Tom Harrell and Nat Adderley.

 

“Pensive, folky beauty.” Brad Faberman, Downbeat Magazine“

 

What keeps Roddy going is the sheer joy of reaching people through his recordings and performances, of making their experience as magical as he can, seeing audiences discover for themselves the joy, wonder and inner peace he felt sitting at his grandmother’s piano.

 

“I’ve had this album on repeat for weeks and I am obsessed with it.” David Reed, Belleville Intelligencer (Moon Over Lake)

 

Roddy’s latest two albums are “Moon Over Lake” (solo guitar) and Postcard (quartet featuring Felicity Williams, Jim Lewis and John Geggie).