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?
Bu hikaye Smooth Jazz Magazine dergisinin May - June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Smooth Jazz Magazine dergisinin May - June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
BRIAN PAUL MICHAEL SERIOUSLY
When we hear of artists joining forces to create a musical supergroup, there can be a lot of pressure for great results.
VINCENT INGALA Escape With Me
Vincent Ingala's Escape With Me takes you on a journey that lives up to its name - an invitation to the listener to get lost in the music. \"With so much turmoil in the world, trials and tribulations, music is most important, now more than ever. We need it to lift us up, to unite us. Come along this musical journey. Get lost in the music\" says Ingala. \"Escape with me.\"
37TH ANNUAL CATALINA ISLAND JAZZTRAX FESTIVAL
With a career spanning over 40 years and more than 500 unique compositions, Dan Siegel stands as a pillar in the world of contemporary jazz.
Rest in Peace SERGIO MENDES 1941 - 2024
The great Brazilian musician and composer Sergio Mendes passed away on the 5th of September 2024.
The Early Life...
From Sunup to Sundown on Sundays, was an all-music day. No television!
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
