 A good way to go about explaining the life and experiences of a New
Orleans musician would be to view it through his eyes as a student, under the watchful
command of Ellis Marsalis. Feel all the spirit of a U.S. mailman delivering an
instrumental introduction of the Louis Armstrong postage stamp. Listen to the
intensity of a tenor sax player following in the footsteps of the late, great saxophonist
Charles Miller. Lance Ellis is this musician. Lance, a former New Orleans postal worker, felt the musical spirit
from a young age, learning jazz improvisation techniques from Ellis Marsalis and playing
in Mardi Gras parades with his high school and college marching bands. Later, while
working for the U.S. Post Office, he and his twin brother Larry both performed with the
Postal Service Jazz Ensemble, and Lance helped organize the presentation ceremony for the
Louis Armstrong commemorative postage stamp. During this time, moonlighting on Bourbon
Street and riverboats allowed him to master his instrument and to retire to pursue music
full time - and there’s been no looking back!
 Lance has shared the stage with and has lent
his unique talents to the legendary 70’s funk/soul band WAR, the original Meters and
Neville Brothers, Mem Shannon, keyboardist Art Neville, Funky Meter bassist George Porter
Jr., and Zydeco rhythm & blues master Chubby Carrier to name a few. In addition
to his two solo CD's, he appears on a number of other recordings (CLICK HERE FOR A LIST) by
his fellow New Orleans musicians.
Besides recording and performing in
the U.S., Lance has had the good fortune of touring England, Germany, France, Holland, Austria, and
Canada, contributing to history-making shows with WAR and Chubby Carrier. From funk
and blues to jazz and zydeco, Lance has played with some of the best.
In addition to his musical abilities,
Lance has appeared in various commercials and print ads - CLICK HERE for details and photos.
Lance is the consummate entertainer;
he has a vibe that makes everyone smile. His unmatched musical talent is only enhanced by
his onstage presence, involving the audience and making the music come alive.
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