“"Ellie is one of the most thought provoking composers; and open minded performers I've ever had the pleasure with whom to perform. She is always willing to serve the music at great length. She listens, and continues to grow with the times and those with whom she is connected. Everyone needs the positive energy of Dr. Ellie Martin!"” - Kim Nazarian, Grammy Nominated Jazz Vocalist and member of the New York Voices
“Martin is not only a vocalist who has performed throughout the United States, but she's the vocal jazz instructor and ensemble director at the University of Toledo and Toledo School for the Arts."” - Heather Dennis
“"Ellie Martin is a pleasure to collaborate with. Whether on the bandstand, in the rehearsal room, or the classroom, she brings creative nuance and experience to every situation."” - Scott Gwinnell, Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Arranger
ALBUM REVIEWS
"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 https://www.allaboutjazz.com/verdant-ellie-martin-self-produced
“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 https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/sound/july0523.html
“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) https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2023/07/17/ellie-martin-verdant/
“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
Album Artwork by Emily Cain, all music is available for purchase at https://elliemartin.bandcamp.com/album/verdant
BIO:
Ellie Martin is a jazz vocalist, and a singer-songwriter with a PhD in jazz studies, who 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. Ellie's debut solo album Verdant was released in May of 2023 to positive reviews both nationally and internationally. The project is a collection of original compositions that reflect on her experiences as a mother, a woman, and a cancer survivor.
Press Photos
