Gypsy Elise & The Royal Blues
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Music
Press
"Elise recaptures the true essence of New Orleans culture of both past and present through her music. Her exquisite velvety voice touches the soul of the listener, of which is quite rare in commercial acts."
- Laurence Tousseau, Investigative Reporter and Cultural Attaché
20 May 2010 - Blues and Jazz Heritage Phoenix Press Review
"Elise gives a very polished performance. Silky smooth vocals with just the right touch of attitude. She perfomed with my band at Jazz Fest 2010 to a very delighted audience. We will be working together often. Look for upcoming dates and don't miss any of them! She is worth any distance.
- Walter Payton, The Walter Payton Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band
(30 April 2010) - Walter Payton
"Beauty, Talent, Kindhearted, this lady has it all. Love the music she puts out. Definitely New Orleans best kept secret that should NOT be a secret!"
- Joe Nelson
(15 May 2010) - Joe Nelson
Discography
Gypsy Blue (Elise with Sergio Yetta, 2000)
Blinded by the Night (Elise with Sergio Yetta, 2004)
Red Hot and Blues (Elise and The Royal Blues, 2009)
Silken Flame (Elise and The Royal Blues, 2010)
Tracks available for all online
Photos
Bio
Elisandrya, or ‘Elise’ as her friends know her, was born in 1959 into a family of entertainers. Her closest sibling, Jimi, is well known all over the world as having one of the finest Jimi Hendrix Tribute Bands available, known as ‘Jimi’s Image’. Ms. De Sade has a multi-octave range, which surprisingly enough begins at Low ‘A’, which puts her into that rare category of Contralto. In New Orleans, April of 2000, Elise along with the Multi-Talented Sergio Yetta collaborated on a musical collective that consisted of his music and her lyrics/vocals. The CD, titled Gypsy Blue, is registered at the National Library of Congress. After decades of having paid her dues, Elise De Sade decided to fully embrace her gift. Once that decision was made, her vocal tones became even more refined. Singing Blues, Jazz, Rock, and rich Torch Ballads, offered in tones ranging from dulcet to soul wrenching, Elise is ready for any stage at any time. Her latest recording project rendered a vibrant, excellently performed product of standard Blues and Torch covers. Her vocals have often been compared to those of Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Gladys Knight, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Cher, Patsy Cline, Sade, Peggy Lee, and Etta James.
Bass and Guitar player, John Lisi spent time in television studios doing guitar work for popular shows such as L.A. Law and Quantum Leap.
Hailed as one of the best guitarists in Louisiana by Offbeat magazine-quite a compliment in a state known for its musicians. John began writing songs before he could play his first chord on a guitar.
John explores the realms of possibility, not only with his guitar, but with his lyrics and voice as well.
Drummer, "Jams" Marotta was drawn to the sounds of New Orleans second line, the dirty, nasty, swamp grease funk, and the jazz that have heavily influenced my drumming and musical take on things. He loves making and playing music. The songs in his playlist are from different groups He has done recordings with. His favorite songs range from jazz to pop-rock.
Ryan Way hails from Moncks Corner, SC, where he grew up around the church, cultivating a deep affinity for its music. Subsequently, this affinity piqued his curiosity to explore all things musical, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in music. While earning his B.A. degree in Commercial Music from Florida State, Ryan studied extensively with the jazz faculty, including private lessons with Brian Gaber and Bill Peterson. Versatility is Ryan's most qualifying trait. As an aficionado of all genres of music, Ryan has played and recorded with many bands running the gamut from jazz to lounge music and from gospel to funk.
Rod Duncan is the newest addition to the Royal Blues. Finely seasoned brass elements brought into the group have rounded out all the silkiness, and our world is complete~
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