Rick Ellis

Rick Ellis plays a blend of Americana and Blues with an evident classic rock influence. His music is connected to the outskirts and fringe of his hometown LA, more than it's stereotypical associations with Hollywood and the city of lights. Perhaps that down to earth style is what led Bob Dylan's grammy winning mastering engineer Joe Gastwirt to reflect that "Once in a while something like Rick Ellis comes through here. Real good music."

After touring overseas and in the US following his debut CD, Rick has been recording his next CD "Threshold" due in March 2011. "Threshold" stays true to the rootsy bluesy sound of the debut but pushes the dynamic range and sound with what Rick calls "some of my favorite musician's on the planet." Legendary drummer Richie Hayward from the band Little Feet and bassist Hutch Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt) form the rhythm section for a number of tracks. Drummer Steve Distanislau who has spent recent years playing with David Gilmore of Pink Floyd and with Crosby, Stills and Nash also adds passion and virtuoso drumming along with talented local Topanga homegrown bassist Joe Karnes. Drummer Dave Allen, producer musician Dave Dale, keyboardist Eric Lynn, drummer Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant), vocalist singer-songwriter Donna DeLory, and Tabla drummer Satnam Ramgotra are among the other fine musicians involved.

Rick's ballad "Cecil Cassandra" was recently nominated for best Americana song by the Hollywood Music and Media Awards.. There's no shortage of passion or enthusiasm in the music of Rick Ellis. As Music Connection magazine has said, "His infectious voice and appealing guitar licks keep his audience engaged."