Wednesday, February 18, 2009

DAVID ELLINGTON at Twains Tonight


Wed, February 18, 8:00pm – 10:30pm
DAVID ELLINGTON - After studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1980 - 1982, David Ellington moved to New Orleans in 1983 and quickly became a player in its extraordinary music scene. In 1988 he began a three-year stint as pianist/organist for legendary New Orleans guitarist, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, traveling the world and recording for Rounder Records. This led to another three years of study at the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Ed Petersen, and Harold Battiste, where his composition, “Armando” won the prestigious composer’s award in UNO’s “Svenson Composition Competition” in 1996. David’s work as a versatile sideman, versed in Funk, Jazz, R&B, and Latin styles, led to the formation of his own group “Chevere” and the release of “Baila Mi Ritmo,” a CD of Ellington originals. Chevere made its New Orleans Jazz and Heritage debut in 2000 and has been a standout at the Festival ever since, returning each year to excellent revues. Hurricane Katrina forced Ellington to abandon a busy musical career in New Orleans as bandleader, valued sideman, and church music director. David landed in Atlanta, near his parents and quickly became a first-call pianist/organist, in demand for many of Atlanta’s best groups and performers. He continues to develop his solid reputation in Atlanta, and has gained “roster” status with “Young Audiences of Atlanta - Woodfuff Arts Center.” David is leader of 'The David Ellington Organ Trio' as well as 'Trio Fino' here in Atlanta and sideman with several acts including singers Tommy Dean and Karin Williams and Atlanta's mainstay 8-piece band, 'The League of Decency'.

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