Litz-Ellis Quintet @ Muse Performance

This project, “Other Places,” was conceived to offer our audience a deep winter set of music about journeys, both physical and mental. Kat Ellis and Elliot Litz have been playing together in various bands, working on deep musical communication. Their passion for jazz and a shared ethos for honesty and integrity in the music had solidified their bond and chemistry while creating together.

Elliot Litz has played jazz piano since the 9th grade. He studied with Jimmy Amadie (Woody Herman Band fame) in Philadelphia and Mark Levine in Berkeley. In the Bay Area, Elliot played in a number of jazz combos. In Denver, he joined the Colorado Jazz Workshop (combos and big bands), in CCJA combos and several groups, including Blue Sky Jazz Collective and PB&V Trio.

Kat Ellis is a CCJA-trained vocalist with the Denver Jazz Orchestra, the PB&V Trio and Kat Ellis Ensemble. Her gift of expression/storytelling using her authentic/emotive voice lets her cover tunes ranging from reflective to torchy, witty to sorrowful. “Pitch, diction, and phrasing are all meticulously polished, making for a presentation that is both professional and assured.” (Paris-Move, 9/25)

Elliot Litz, piano
Kat Ellis, voice
Pete Lewis, woodwinds
Gabe Rupe, bass
Patrick Lewis, drums