William Ellis original art

Biography

Like his friend Dave Bardon, Ellis’ work revolves around jazz. His atmospheric black and white photographs evoke the intimate ambience of the jazz club.  

“Brilliant musicians, instruments and stages all with their story to tell. Wherever the gig from the smallest club to the largest hall I always have an incredible feeling of excitement as the playing begins and a unique performance unfolds.

This is my vision of jazz, the energy, expression and atmosphere of what’s happening on, and off stage. All the way from Dizzy and Miles to here and now in the Americas, Africa and Europe I discovered that music and a smile is the language of the world - Jazz is the Poetry.”  

Based in England, he is recognised as having created an important document on the contemporary world jazz scene. This was recognized by The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City when in 2005 he was invited to produce the Inaugural International Exhibition.