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We are a jazz band from Maryland and D.C.

Maryland Jazz|Dc Jazz|Smooth Jazz Maryland|
Smooth Jazz in DC|Jazz Artist

Drummer|Pianist|Composer|Music Theory

John Ellis

( Music is my spritual connection to God and existance.)

John Ellis began following his musical aspirations at age 9 when he started playing the trumpet. After a short period of time though he became more interested in playing the drums. After 3 years he finally convinced his junior high school band teacher to allow him to play percussion in the concert band. After begging his parents for a drumset for many years they finally bought him an old snare drum and cymbal from a yard sale. ( I remember being so excited, I played the crap out of that drum and cymbal and must have broken the cymbal shortly after.) In high school he finally saved up enough money for a real drumset, a white pearl international. He started playing in rock bands while still playing percussion in the symphonic band in high school. Received awards for who's who in music and a percussion competition while a senior. Soon he became more interested in composing and started taking music theory at the community college even before graduating
high school. His passion for music had taken a turn, and he found himself in love with the music of Keith Emerson. He became a fan of the piano and entered P.G community college as a music major and piano major.He was exposed not only to a new instrument but to a beautiful new kind of music. Classical. He fell in love with the music of Chopin and many of the other classical composers. At the same time he renewed his interest in jazz and shortly after became a big fan of latin and latin jazz.He has performed in various recitals and bands over the years. After years of struggling with the decision to play drums or piano, he finally gave into both desires. His musical influences include but are not limited to Chopin, Bach, Beethoven , Ginastera, Keith Emerson, Chick Corea, Chucho Valdez, Progressive rock, World, fusion ,latin ,jazz, celtic, movie soundtracks and most of the drummers he's heard. ( Music is my spritual connection to God and existance.)Emerson, Chick Corea, Chucho Valdez, Progressive rock, World, fusion ,latin ,jazz, celtic, movie soundtracks and most of the drummers he's heard.