John Ellis

A versatile and imaginative saxophonist, John Ellis plays a forward-thinking brand of post-bop mixed with wide-ranging influences from New Orleans jazz, R&B, funk, classical, and modern creative elements. Since emerging in New York during the late '90s, Ellis has released a number of highly regarded albums, including 2002's Roots, Branches and Leaves, 2008's Dance Like There's No Tomorrow, and 2015's Charm; the latter featured his adventurous combo Double-Wide. Ellis has also collaborated on several large-scale theatrical works with playwright Andy Bragen, including 2014's environmentally conscious Mobro and the 2020 "jazz opera" The Ice Siren. In 2023, Ellis and his quartet released Bizet: Carmen in Jazz, merging themes from opera and modern jazz.