finetune artist: Herb Ellis

b. Mitchell Herbert Ellis, 4 August 1921, Farmersville, Texas, USA. In 1941 Ellis attended North Texas State College, where his fellow students included Jimmy Giuffre. After graduation, he played guitar in a number of big bands, including the Casa Loma Orchestra and the Jimmy Dorsey outfit. He was next with Soft Winds, a trio formed from the Dorsey rhythm section with Johnny Frigo and Lou Carter, and in 1953 took Barney Kessel's place in the Oscar Peterson trio, where he remained for five years alongside Ray Brown. After leaving Peterson he accompanied Ella Fitzgerald for four years and also worked with Julie London, then spent a decade in the Los Angeles film and television studios. In the early 70s he began a succession of marvellous associations with other guitarists, including Joe Pass, Charlie Byrd and Kessel (with the latter two as the Great Guitars). In his playing, Ellis constantly reveals a deep affinity for the blues and reflects a thorough awareness of the work of Charlie Christian. As a section player he brings an earthy quality few of his peers can match, and his time with Peterson was of such a high standard that thereafter the pianist rarely used another guitarist. As a soloist his command is outstanding and the bluesy muscularity of his playing is a constant source of delight.

Listen to Herb Ellis at Finetune.

Cherokee
Angel Eyes
Pap's Blues
Manha De Carnaval
Love For Sale