Ellis White

Though the pandemic brought the hard-working band’s non-stop schedule to an abrupt halt, as early as 2019, White was contemplating an eventual breakout as a solo artist – a goal the multitalented composer/musician achieves powerfully and impactfully with the release of his explosive (and perfectly titled) solo single
“Keeping It Real”

A perfect summer soundtrack tune, the infectious high-octane track was produced by Trammell Starks, whose decades-long resume includes legendary R&B vocalists Jennifer Holliday and Patti Labelle, as well as popular smooth jazz saxophonist Michael J. Thomas.

While it’s a strong showcase for White’s inventive rhythmic, melodic and improvisational guitar playing, “Keeping It Real”. White creates a fascinating musical conversation throughout with saxophonist Sam Skelton and there are exciting sections later in the song for Starks’ tropical-tinged keyboard solo and a snappy bass solo by Sam Sims.

A native of Portland, ME, White – who cites his chief influences as Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana - has been playing guitar since he started a classic rock and blues cover band when he was 15. Though he’s lived in Florida (now St. Augustine) for many years, remarkably that group is still going strong. He studied with prominent guitarist John Shaffer and later played in blues and soft rock outfits that opened for renowned artists like John Cafferty and the late Warren Zevon.