“His creativity is so obvious, that it is at once both startling and inspiring ...”
-Steve Kinigstein, Just Jazz Guitar

Join us at the Rockcliffe Park Branch for an evening with Canadian jazz guitarist and composer Roddy Ellias

Roddy brings five decades of unique and compelling music to the world. With an eclectic approach that defies simple classification , Roddy has developed an innovative guitar style that intricately melds classical, African and Brazillian musical ideas within a deep tradition of jazz.

About Roddy

His musical journey began at the age of five, when he started improvising on his grandmother’s piano. Decades later, he continues to explore new musical possibilities, developing his unusual composition and playing approach. 

From the early days at Uncle Charlie’s Chicken and Ribs Jazz Joint to performing for the Queen of England to creating a unique chamber jazz opera with puppets, Roddy has carved a musical space for himself unlike any other. Along the way, he’s also enjoyed performing with many of the greats, including Lee Konitz, David Liebman, Kenny Wheeler, Cleo Laine, Tom Harrell and Nat Adderley. 

What keeps Roddy going is the sheer joy of reaching people through his recordings and performances, of making their experience as magical as he can, seeing audiences discover for themselves the joy, wonder and inner peace he felt sitting at his grandmother’s piano.

Roddy’s latest two albums are “Moon Over Lake” (solo guitar) and Postcard (quartet featuring Felicity Williams, Jim Lewis and John Geggie).