Saxophonist John Ellis is a forward-thinking jazz musician with a bent toward mixing New Orleans jazz, R&B, and funk into his sound. Born in North Carolina, Ellis studied piano growing up and also played the clarinet. Eventually, Ellis spent time living in New Orleans and later earned a degree in music from the New School in N.Y.C. Ellis has performed with a variety of musicians including pianist Ellis Marsalis, and was a longtime member of guitarist Charlie Hunter's band. Ellis released his debut solo album, The Language of Love, in 1996. "Roots, Branches and Leaves" followed in 2002, after which Ellis released One Foot in the Swamp in 2005 and Hanging On By A Thread in 2006. In 2008, Ellis released his first album with his Double-Wide ensemble, Dance Like There's No Tomorrow. John Ellis & Double-Wide then released Puppet Mischief in 2010. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi