This is an original composition and arrangement about self love, and being brave enough to truly be ourselves and cherish each moment that we have.
“When an album succeeds, it takes only three notes to win over its listener. In this case, it’s the poetic beauty of the lyrics, a voice both original and masterfully honed, musicians perfectly attuned to the project, and sophisticated arrangements—all elements that command admiration. Ellie Martin delivers a work of such caliber that she makes us forget her exceptional vocal technique through the sheer honesty of her artistry.“- Thiery de Clemensat, Paris Move
“Martin is an attractive, confident, And gymnast-limbered Voice that senses and delivers the drama and emotion In the melody and lyrics, she’s composed…Morning Glories is, without doubt, an album with profound messages delivered by way of potent lyrics, effervescent and engaging melodic lines, all delivered by an artist with an obvious bones-deep commitment to both.” -Nick Mondello, bebop spoken here
“Martin has essentially written and performed a love letter to her children, with lyrics that take note of their sweet behaviors and explains what fascinates her about them.”- Tom Henry, The Toledo Blade
“Ellie Martin hits all the right notes on motherhood with her newest album Morning glories.” - Mary Kulcasz, Toledo Parent
Jazz vocalist Ellie Martin has composed and recorded a magnificent debut album, one that showcases not only her obvious skills as a highly trained, highly educated and pitch-perfect singer but also her chops as a songwriter… Her heartfelt lyrics cover a gamut of life experiences as a woman, a mother, and
a cancer survivor.” - Tom Henry, Toledo Blade
“The 12 songs on Verdant capture the essence of Ellie Martin’s persona in musical form. The depth and
breadth of her artistry and resonance is something you’ll enjoy for years to come.” - Paula Edelstein, Sounds of Timeless Jazz
“Verdant, comprising 12 diverse originals, offers wonderful greenery and scenery. Covering a tremendous amount of ground while truly coming into her own, Ellie Martin makes a serious impression as an artist with something to say.” - Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
“Verdant requires more than casual listening… so much of it sounds strikingly pretty the first time around and becomes pretty interesting on further investigation and exposure. Her sweet-timbered voice floats through the air, often seeming ethereal and gossamer–but it can also throb with strength. The most effective piece to my mind and ears is "As Time Goes," with bittersweet lessons about aging, such as the acceptance of trading youth for truth.” - Rob Lester, Sound Advice/Talkin' Broadway
“Martin is very versatile, with her light voice, she interprets a wide variety of styles, Brazilian music, American Songbook, bebop, jazz, she even dares to play the Spanish couplet (and she doesn't do it badly). She is a musical storyteller, and her interpretations sound honest and full of passion.” - Jose Ramon, La Habitacion del Jazz (Spain)
“With Verdant, her debut album, her audience will undoubtedly extend both nationally and worldwide.” - Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal (UK)
“The beyond merely fabulous, multi-talented singer/songwriter Ellie Martin makes her recording debut with Verdant, a vibrant, 12-track musical journey chronicling life powerfully lived/embraced and challenges powerfully survived… a stylistically diverse, lyrically poetic musical storyteller.” - Jonathan Widran, JW Vibe
NEWS:
Album Release Announcement: Morning Glories
I am thrilled to announce the release of my new album, Morning Glories, on Sunday, May 11th, 2025—Mother’s Day!
This deeply personal project is all about the strength, vulnerability, and transformation of motherhood. Each song is inspired by my journey as a mother and the profound joys, challenges, and moments of self-discovery that come with it.
Releasing this album on Mother’s Day is a celebration of the love and resilience that mothers embody every day. It’s my hope that these songs resonate with mothers, families, and anyone who has experienced the beauty of nurturing and being nurtured.
Stay tuned for more details about the release and upcoming performances as I prepare to share Morning Glories with the world. 🌸
Thank you for supporting this special journey—mark your calendars, and let’s celebrate together!
#MorningGlories #AlbumRelease #MothersDay #EllieMartinMusic
About
Recognized in the vocal jazz performance and scholarship worlds, Ellie Martin is a highly respected vocalist, composer, educator, and Jazz studies scholar. She is currently the vocal jazz instructor at the University of Toledo, as well as Toledo School for the Arts. She performs a wide variety of repertoire from Brazilian music, American Songbook, Bebop, as well as her original compositions. A fearless improviser, Ellie delivers songs with individuality, passion, and honesty. Career highlights include performing at the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, the Sunset Jazz Festival, and the Michigan Jazz Festival. She was the featured vocalist with the National Arab Orchestra in San Antonio Texas, and performed alongside jazz luminaries Geri Allen, Terri Lynne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding, the New York Voices, Jon Hendricks, and Afro Blue. Her debut solo album Verdant, was released in May of 2023. The project is a collection of all original compositions that reflect on her experiences as a woman, a mother and a cancer survivor, and features Grammy nominated pianist and vocalist Peter Eldridge, Israeli guitarist Ariel Kasler, bassist Kurt Khranke, and Costa Rican multi-percussionist Olman Piedra.
From an early age, Ellie had a deep interest in jazz. In 2008 she completed her bachelor’s degree in voice at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she studied with Ranee Lee, and performed at the Upstairs jazz club. In 2010, she completed a master’s degree in vocal jazz performance at the University of Toledo. While at UT, Ellie worked closely with the legendary lyricist, vocalist and distinguished Professor of Jazz, Jon Hendricks, and wrote her master’s thesis on his early life and the formation of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. In addition to Hendricks, Ellie studied with and performed regularly with legendary Detroit pianist, Claude Black, and bassist Clifford Murphy at Murphy’s jazz club. In 2016, she earned her PhD in Jazz Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied with Dr. Nathan Davis, and Professor Geri Allen. Her dissertation explored how vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross mediated the vocal and instrumental roles in jazz, while simultaneously navigating race and gender roles at the height of the Civil Rights movement. Ellie has given several national and international lectures on the vocal jazz historiography, ranging from topics of improvisation, intersections between voice and instrument, vocalese, and the formation of vocal jazz groups. Her background in Jazz Studies and performance make her a unique and distinctive educator and performer.
Tracks
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Living For The Now 3:120:00/3:12
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Steel City Eye 6:150:00/6:15
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0:00/3:44
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0:00/4:34
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Lucianita 4:310:00/4:31
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As Time Goes 4:570:00/4:57
Verdant - CD
This project was partially funded by is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by The Arts Commission.
$15.00
Calendar
Previous events
Morning Glories Album Release Tour and Masterclass
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Valley Music Workshop, 5210 Collier Place, Woodland Hills, CA
On June 5th I will be giving a masterclass on songwriting to get your creative juices flowing and then we will be performing an album release show on June 6th with door open at 7pm. Come check it out if you are in the area!
DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7PM - 8PM DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45PM - 9:45PM
$75 seats pre-pay the cover and a $55 credit for any items on the dinner menu. $40 seats pre-pay the cover and a $20 credit toward your bill. (18% gratuity added at checkout under "taxes & fees")
Celebrate the release of Morning Glories, the deeply personal new album from jazz singer, songwriter, and composer Ellie Martin. With a sound that blends rich storytelling and lyrical warmth, Martin explores themes of motherhood, transformation, and resilience. A student of jazz legends Jon Hendricks and Geri Allen, and a collaborator with members of the New York Voices, Martin brings over 20 years of artistry to the stage.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of original music and heartfelt performance in the intimate, state-of-the-art setting of Blu Jazz+
Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: $20 General Admission
$20
Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00)
Recognized in the vocal jazz performance and scholarship worlds, Ellie Martin is a highly respected vocalist, composer, educator, and Jazz studies scholar. She is currently the vocal jazz instructor at the University of Toledo, as well as Toledo School for the Arts. She performs a wide variety of repertoire from Brazilian music, American Songbook, Bebop, as well as her original compositions.
$30
The Ellie Martin Quartet presents Morning Glories, an album that captures the profound journey of motherhood—the joys, the challenges, and the transformation it brings. Ellie's songs span themes of exhaustion and resilience, self-discovery, and the delicate balance of sacrifice and joy. They reflect the wonder of seeing the world through her children's eyes, their boundless curiosity and zest for life, as well as the deep personal growth that comes with parenthood. Tickets for tonight are $20 each.
Featuring:
Ellie Martin: vocals and composition Ariel Kasler: guitar and piano Kurt Krahnke: bass Olman Piedra: drums
This event will also be livestreamed on BOP STOP's Youtube Channel at showtime. Accessing the stream is free but donations are encouraged and directly support the band.
$20
ELLIE MARTIN QUARTET: MORNING GLORIES
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Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael, 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, IN
About this event DOORS OPEN at 10:30AM and SHOW STARTS at 12:00PM $25 FOOD and BEVERAGE Minimum per GUEST Cabaret Seating - All seats at the table are for sale. Buying one seat does NOT secure the table. Cabaret Service - It is recommended that you arrive early if you wish to have brunch, as brunch is served from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, once the show has begun options are limited to drinks and dessert.
$30
