About

JOHN ELLIS
Jazz Trumpet & Flugelhom,  Arranger & Composer

The Gospel, according to the Gods of the music business: An artist is always expected to heavily support and promote a new release with a hectic and highly visible touring schedule. Until now. Meet jazz trumpeter/flugelhomist, arranger/composer, John Ellis, a most talented exception to this hard fast rule.

John does not perform live in clubs or in concert halls. He hasn’t for decades. So don’t rush out after hearing his latest CD expecting to see him on stage anytime soon at your favorite jazz venue. Rather, the only time you’ll have the pleasure of listening to and being in John’s musical company is via his new, shiny compact disc you now are the proud possessor of “Esperanza” (Hope) Fizzywater FWR103.

Born April I (Easter Sunday), 1945 in Philadelphia, Pa., John Ellis held his first trumpet ia elementary school at age nine. His interest in jazz began in junior high school after hearing Canadian high-voltage trumpet star, Maynard Ferguson on the radio and later peaked during his high school years as he discovered the music of Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker.

Ellis attended Temple University and graduated with a degree in Psychology in 1967. While at Temple, he jammed frequently and became a nightly fixture in the audiences at Pep’s Lounge and the Showboat, local Philly clubs where he was fortunate enough to get up close and personal with his idols, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.