A good way to go about explaining the life and experiences of a New Orleans musician would be to view it through his eyes as a student, under the watchful command of Ellis Marsalis. Feel all the spirit of a U.S. mailman delivering an instrumental introduction of the Louis Armstrong postage stamp. Listen to the intensity of a tenor sax player following in the footsteps of the late, great saxophonist Charles Miller. Lance Ellis is this musician. Lance, a former New Orleans postal worker, felt the musical spirit from a young age, learning jazz improvisation techniques from Ellis Marsalis and playing in Mardi Gras parades with his high school and college marching bands. Later, while working for the U.S. Post Office, he and his twin brother Larry both performed with the Postal Service Jazz Ensemble, and Lance helped organize the presentation ceremony for the Louis Armstrong commemorative postage stamp. During this time, moonlighting on Bourbon Street and riverboats allowed him to master his instrument and to retire to pursue music full time - and there’s been no looking back! Lance has shared the stage with and has lent his unique talents to the legendary 70’s funk/soul band WAR, the original Meters and Neville Brothers, Mem Shannon, keyboardist Art Neville, Funky Meter bassist George Porter Jr., and Zydeco rhythm & blues master Chubby Carrier to name a few. In addition to his two solo CD's, he appears on a number of other recordings by his fellow New Orleans musicians. Besides recording and performing in the U.S., Lance has had the good fortune of touring England, Germany, France, Holland, Austria, and Canada, contributing to history-making shows with WAR and Chubby Carrier. From funk and blues to jazz and zydeco, Lance has played with some of the best. In addition to his musical abilities, Lance has appeared in various commercials and print ads. Lance is the consummate entertainer; he has a vibe that makes everyone smile. His unmatched musical talent is only enhanced by his onstage presence, involving the audience and making the music come alive.
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