I nominated Najee for the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award that he received that night, so I was in attendance for the ceremony. Najee and his band were delivering the high-level performance you would expect from an artist of his caliber.
The crowd enjoyed every moment of the him cert, but Najee had a special guest, Ellis Hamil ton, sit in with the band to perform. When Ellis blew the first note on his sax, he caught my attention. From the first note to the last note, it was pure energy. I thought to myself he MUST be physically fit in order to blow that horn as enthusiastically as he did AND keep the audience hyped as he physically moved around on stage. He brought a special energetic element to the stage that night that was simply unmatched. After the show, I had to meet this young man, so I went backstage to find him. I introduced myself as he greeted me with the warmest of smiles. I complimented then took his contact information because I KNEW this young man was destined for greatness and that I’d want to interview him in the near future. Now, here we are, less than one year later, Ellis is at the top of the charts and I'm interviewing him! Put on your seatbelts and get ready to ride this journey with him because you'll definitely want a seat on the "Ellis train!"
I've included a special treat in this article. Not only did I interview Ellis, but I've included dialogue with his parents (Caryn and Lance Hamilton), Najee and Barry Eastmond. I hope you enjoy getting to know Ellis through this interview as much as I did!
SJM: Ellis thank you for joining me for this interview. I can't wait for our readers to learn about you! What are your family dynamics and where do you live?
Denne historien er fra May - June 2024-utgaven av Smooth Jazz Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra May - June 2024-utgaven av Smooth Jazz Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Dan Seigal Unity
When my publisher of Smooth Jazz Magazine asked me to do a review, I was initially hesitant as I am in deep preparation and learning with The Second Piano Concerto by Sergei Rachmaninoff...
Bob Holz Night Watch
Renowned jazz fusion composer and drummer Bob Holz brings us his seventh album, “Nightwatch.”
The Building of a Legacy - MARCUS ANDERSON
The musical presence and footprint of jazz fusion artist Marcus Anderson is being felt in places that perhaps only few have reached.
Live with Blak Aaron
The rhythmic sounds of international guitarist Blake Aaron's accompanied by Will Donato's melodic sounds on saxophone under the direction of the musical director and bassist John Dillard and his band mesmerized their Middle C Jazz audiences in the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina on August 16, 2024.
NORMAN BROWN It Hits Different
This is what I will be going for rest of my life
Ellis Hamilton Defying the Odds and Energy Unmatched!
Readers, I’m honored to introduce Mr. Ellis Hamilton to you. If you don’t know him or his music yet, you will! I met Ellis on May 20, 2023, at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Why can tell you the exact date? Well, Najee was performing that evening and receiving an award.
John Ernesto The End of an Era @BERKS
I had the pleasure of speaking with John Ernesto, the Artistic Director of the Berks Jazz Festival for over three decades.
Brian Bromberg – The Magic of Moonlight
What a pleasure to have Brian Bromberg back feeling better and with new music.
The 2023 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival
Conguero Poncho Sanchez, a west coast legend and mainstay of all things Latin Jazz and Salsa, had the audience in the palms of his hands with freshly recorded new music from an upcoming album featuring arrangements by Francisco Torre.
KAYLA WATERS
Has been able to fuse her faith into her music rather effortlessly. As she prepared for the release of her latest album entitled \"Presence,\" she took time out to speak with Smooth Jazz Magazine about her career, her music, and her Divine inspiration..
