I am a native of San Jose, California. I grew up in a very musical family. So my music education started real early, At the age of (6). There was no getting around a music education In our house. We had to learn music, but only until we learned all of our scales, then my parents would let us quit if we wanted to. (Of course I did quit for a while).
I grew up in a household full of many different musical influences I’m the youngest of (5). I had older brothers that would bring home the music of people like, "The Rolling stones, the Beatles Jimi Hendrix." my other brother would bring home others like, "Stevie Wonder, Parliament and Funkadelic." Pretty much everything from Rock, Soul, to R&B. My Mother would play classical music. My father would have us listen to everything from country music to Celtic music. I also had an aunt who would stay with us and always buy the latest music topping the charts. (This Is where I learned most my bad language.) However I think the music I enjoyed the most is that of Duke Ellington’s. Not because of the family relationship. But more so because even at a young age I realized, (and Still am realizing) that his music, the range of his musical expression can take me through almost every imaginable emotion. This was a realization that truly crystallized for me about 8 years ago. I knew I loved his music, but only 8 years ago finally understood why. I have spent the last 20+ years of my life playing music, and the last 7 to 8 years studying music of many types very intensely. In that time frame I have played with both really good musicians and all other kind.
It all started with my mothers (Joyce Ellington) encouragement, and My fathers (Bob Ellington) instruction on the bugle. He was a Scout master for Boy Scouts Of America and was also the bugle instructor for the district. As well as anyone else who was willing to learn. I learned all the standard bugle calls by the time I was 8 years old. My 1st Public performance was at the age of (9) for a dedication of a new building in the San Jose unified School district. Then My father felt it was time to graduate to the trumpet and he allowed me to do so, on an old horn he had gotten from Rex Stewart, the Trumpet player from Duke Ellington s band.
When I started taking music in school I had started on Trombone. However with in a year switched back to Trumpet. I also developed a very basic working knowledge of all my other family members’ instruments (i.e. Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Saxophone.) Through out Middle school and High school I was fortunate enough to be part of nothing but award winning ensembles. My Middle school band Took Top honors at the Reno Jazz Festival. The music Program at the high school I attended, (Independence High school), allowed us to win the California state championship all 4 years I attended, and a National championships one of those years. I went on to Study Improvisation with Dave Eshleman and Bob Russell. I also Studied privately With Dave Bendigkeit and Dave Rocha.
One of the 1st people of stature who I could remember sharing the stage with was Peanuts Hucko. (Who played with Fats Waller, Benny Goodman, Eddie Condon, Ray McKinley, Earl Hines, Jack Teagarden, and the Louis Armstrong All-Stars.) When he was visiting my High school for a special performance. His words to me were very encouraging. One thing he had said that sticks with me to this day is that “If the whole world was blind the only thing they would know you by, is the sound of your voice.” and that he felt I had a very distinct sound on my instrument, “my Voice.” Since then I have been fortunate enough to have shared the band stand with as many distinct musicians that would allow me to. Such as Richie Cole, Smith Dobson, Hafez Modirzadeh, Fred Ho, Royal Hartigan, Eddie Gale, Donald (Duck) Baily, to name just a few, and the list continues.
Today I constantly am in search for distinct voices, Not only have I found this balance in my working Group the “New Urban groove.” but I also find myself collaborating teaching, giving clinics, and Composing for a host of other musical projects ranging from Stage productions, as well as film work and musical content for websites.
I truly strive to find an identity in music that is distinctive, and to find myself distinctly in it. If in anyway shape or form you are moved, by it, I would find immense joy in moving with you, even if only for a moment.
Thank you for listening & Visiting. I wish you all Peace and happiness.
Douglas Edward Ellington-
What They Say...!
stressed dissonance, assured tonality, elaborate improvisation......................With varied, articulated, rhythms, tempos, etc. Their dynamic, variant repertoire is delivered with personality, punctuation, & intrigue. This is a group that expounds the emotional & vital quality of bebop, with what I feel is, & will be marked by a distinctive & timeless appeal.
George W./ Carroll/The Musicians' Ombudsman (writer, ejazz.com)
Doug! After years of struggling to get it done I've finally finished and my first solo album: "i am me/am i not?" will be available on CD Baby and iTunes by the end of the year.
Thanks for your support of the last NLO concert the photos are now viewable on our myspace site. We are currently mixing the last 6 songs on our 17 track project. Look for it in stores in December 2009
The Symphony of Life~A new day begins to function in harmony Smoothly guiding the melody of events that reaches its crescendo! Leaving a palette of effervescent colors as residue. Have a Lovely rest of the week! XX~
A new day begins with the rising of the sun, As its bright rays shine forth In vibrant bursts of light And illuminate over the world.
As the world begins to wake, Everything begins to function in harmony, With a steady rhythm and even pitch Smoothly guiding the melody of events That makes a symphony of life.
As the day progresses, This symphony takes on new dimensions and tones, And is thereby infused with new meaning.
At some point the tune reaches its crescendo, Playing loudly and vivaciously for all to take part In the melodious song.
The day ends with the setting of the sun, As it sinks in to the horizon, Leaving a palette of effervescent colors as residue.
All the while the melody begins to die down, Sinking its tone to a quiet stillness which Ultimately leads way to the song of the very next day.
....ummm, is this where I can have my parking validated? I did actually park closest to "Eat At Joe's: A Sexually Explicit Bakery," however, I did patronize your establishment, so can you please validate my parking? :)
Jazz Fest weekend, unngh! I'll fo sho try to check one of your sets man, but worst case senario we'll meet up and hang, you catching the Jazz beyond stage friday night?
doug, i might have a gig on june 13, 14 for the walnut creek dowtown business assoc. but i see you'll be in l.a. i don't it's much $$. but email me at wenmew@gmail.com when you get a chance.
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