Martin, Ellie
The Arts Commission, 2023, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 29.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 75
O’s Notes: Ellie Martin is a young vocalist, a professor, composer and performer who sings about her life experiences on Verdant, her latest release with all original music. Her experiences include maternity and surviving cancer. The twelve selections span jazz, Latin and pop genres, all centered around Martin’s delightful voice. She assembles a strong band with Peter Eldridge (p, vocals), Ariel Kasler (g), Kurt Khranke (b), and her husband, drummer/percussionist Olman Piedra. Vitor Gonçalves plays accordion on “Dancer’s Serenade”, and Ben Wolkins plays trumpet on ”Steel City Eye” with fine scatting by Ellie. We also enjoyed the vocal harmonies on “Lady Liberty”, “Moments”, and “Step Into Your Essence”.
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
