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GET READY!
Lance's new CD, "Thinking
of You", is now available!
Click here for details and ordering information

VOODOO LOVE, from Lance's second CD "Thinking of You", is now a music video!

Featuring 'Mahogany Blue', you'll love the Voodoo Love story!

Stay tuned for video highlights and Voodoo Love merchandise.

From offBEAT Magazine, January 2003

Reedman Lance Ellis, a mainstay on the New Orleans smooth jazz scene, wears hats as leader, composer and producer on this release on his own Landlord Records. The tenor saxophone is Ellis' primary axe and it opens the program on keyboardist Derek Dabbs' danceable original "No Looking Back." Ellis horn looms above Dabbs' keyboard program and the guitar of Anthony Brown while Kenyatta Simon's percussion adds a certain element of earthiness. As they often do, Ellis and Dabbs collaborate as composers for the mellow "Day Dreaming." To set the light mood, Ellis utilizes the flute and weaves it among Brown's guitar chordings. Guitarist Tyrone Matherson's steps in for a fine solo while Ellis sprinkles it with a touch of scat. Minus droning keyboards, which are a personal annoyance in much of the smooth jazz style, the tune benefits from the cleanliness of the key programming and empty space. Can't say as much for the funkified "Groove On," however, though we appreciate the variety that Ellis strives for throughout the disc. Stretching into the contemporary R&B realm, the leader goes for a big sound on his self-penned "Voodoo Love." He brings in Wydell Spotville on keys, Jerry Henderson on bass and the lush harmonies of singers Mahogany Blue. Ellis' Grover Washington influences are in evidence on the romantic "When It Rains," which is also enhanced with background vocals of Collage. Smooth jazz fans can look forward to this professionally put together release from a serious purveyor of the style.