LIVE MUSIC with Roddy Ellias hosted by The Night Owl and Dorland Music!

The Night Owl and Dorland Music are pleased to announce an eclectic night of music showcasing distinctive jazz guitarist, Roddy Ellias. Roddy provides an elating musical journey that will fascinate the audience.

Canadian jazz guitarist and composer Roddy Ellias has spent five decades captivating audiences worldwide with his distinctive and compelling music. With an eclectic approach that transcends genre boundaries, Roddy has developed a deeply innovative guitar style, intricately blending the influences of classical music, African rhythms, and Brazilian harmonies, all within the rich tradition of jazz. His ability to fuse these elements together creates a sound that is at once familiar and refreshingly unique, earning him recognition as a true original in the world of contemporary jazz.

Roddy's musical journey began humbly at the age of five, when he first started improvising on his grandmother's piano. Those early moments of musical discovery ignited a lifelong passion for exploring the possibilities of sound, a passion that continues to drive his creative evolution. Over the years, he has developed an unorthodox approach to both composition and guitar playing, always seeking new ways to express emotion, convey stories, and push the boundaries of jazz.

From his early days performing at Uncle Charlie’s Chicken and Ribs Jazz Joint to playing for Queen Elizabeth II, Roddy’s career has been filled with unique and memorable experiences. One of his most ambitious projects includes the creation of a chamber jazz opera with puppets, a testament to his willingness to embrace unconventional formats and explore new artistic frontiers. Throughout his career, Roddy has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of jazz's most celebrated figures, including Lee Konitz, David Liebman, Kenny Wheeler, Cleo Laine, Tom Harrell, and Nat Adderley.

At the heart of Roddy’s music is a deep desire to connect with people. Whether through his recordings or live performances, he finds joy in creating moments of magic for his listeners. For Roddy, music is a way to evoke the same sense of wonder and peace that he experienced as a child, sitting at his grandmother’s piano. His dedication to making each performance a transformative experience for his audience is what fuels his creativity and keeps him exploring new musical horizons, even after five decades in the industry.

Roddy’s latest two albums showcase the breadth of his artistry and musical vision. Moon Over Lake is an intimate solo guitar album that highlights his masterful technique and deep emotional expression, offering listeners a reflective and nuanced journey through his singular approach to the instrument. On the other hand, Postcard presents a different facet of Roddy’s creativity, as he leads a dynamic quartet featuring the ethereal vocals of Felicity Williams, the expressive trumpet work of Jim Lewis, and the grounded bass of John Geggie. Together, they explore new sonic landscapes, blending their talents into a cohesive yet adventurous sound that reflects Roddy's innovative spirit.

These two releases demonstrate not only his versatility as a musician but also his continuous evolution as a composer and performer, always seeking to explore and expand the boundaries of jazz.

Host or Publisher The Night Owl