Ellen Whyte can do it all! Her stellar signature vocals bring warmth and power to standards and originals. Her percussive rhythm guitar playing has been praised by musicians all over the country, and if that’s not enough, look for the occasional appearance of “Wheezer,” her blues infused glimmering black accordion! Recognizing that one size does not fit all, Ellen brings her friends---some of the Northwest’s finest musicians to the variety of shows she performs: Janice Scroggins, Garry Meziere, Jean-Pierre Garau, Gene Houck, Erick Hailstone, Jim Miller, Glenn Holstrom, Chris Carlson, Renato Caranto, Greg Garrett, Pete Petersen, Mike Kelly, Dave Bones, Reinhardt Melz, Don Worth. From intimate duoes to trios, to larger confiurations, including a nine piece band with a full horn section, Ellen has a show ready to go for events ranging from house concerts to festivals.
Ellen has won numerous awards for her work: Best Female Vocalist 2000, Best Contemporary Blues Band 2000, 2001, 2002 (inducted into the Cascade Blues Hall of Fame in 2002), Best Regional Northwest Recording 1998 and 2002, Best Performance of the Year 2002. In 1999 Ellen as a semi finalist in the Grammy Awards nominated in 2 categories: Best New Artist, and Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Ellen has 3 CDs out, all original songs, all of which have received critical acclaim. Watch for her next release “Four Way Stop” due Spring 2008.
Ellen Whyte can accommodate any type of event with a band suited to your needs!
Ellen Whyte is available for weddings, festivals, parties, night clubs -- you name it!
Ellen will help you select the right sized band for your needs:
Small gatherings - The Ellen Whyte "acoustic" duo or trio. The duo or trio performs blues, jazz standards, classic rock, and originals. Everything from the Ella Fitztgerald, , Bonnie Raitt, The Beatles, Elton John, and more! This configuration works nicely for house concerts, smaller weddings, receptions and private parties.
Large parties - The "standard size" Ellen Whyte four or five piece band. The 5 – 6 piece band performs weddings, festivals, corporate and private parties, playing everything from the great jazz standards to blues to classic rock.
Festivals and big events - The "super size" Ellen Whyte six to nine piece band! This group features the “ESP Horn Section.” Think Tower of Power! These seasoned pros perform mostly Ellen’s original compositions off her 3 CDs. They also play the favorites from James Brown, BB King, T-Bone Walker, Bonnie Raitt, and Van Morrison.
Here is some information and stellar reviews of Ellen's CDs:
"Standing at The Sunrise" Released October 2001.
(Won Best Regional NW Recording in 2002. Awarded by the Cascade Blues Association)
"The Oregon based Ellen Whyte is again attracting regional as well as national attention with her very distinctive sound. Standing At The Sunrise is unapologetically unique in its approach, individual in its execution, and is an all around pleasurable experience."
Tony Englehart--Freelance Journalist
"This is a finely crafted collection of original songs that defies expectation from a band that knows how to deliver a good time."
Greg Johnson, President of the Cascade Blues Association
"Here and Gone," Released October 1998 (Semi Finalists for 2 Grammy Award nominations in 1999--Best New Artist, and Best Contemporary Blues Album)
"The sound is spotlessly recorded, and the music has tones of attitude. Whyte's voice is silky smooth weaving a brocade of tasty fills with lead guitarists Garry Meziere and the great rhythm section of Jay Lundelll (drummer) and Scott Willis (bass)."
Ed Ivey, Blues Revue Magazine
"This band has won a boatload of awards throughout the years. The songs are well written and composed. All in all, a good piece of work from a hard working band. Who could ask for anything more?"
Bill Fountain-Southwest Blues Magazine
"Different Point Of Blue" Released November 1996: Won Best Regional NW Recording 1997 -- awarded by the Cascade Blues Association
"This very polished project is fiercely independent from it's beginning to end. Complete with big band horn arrangements, spiced by Hammond B-3, some peppy lounge piano and lavish saxophones. The whole CD is full of surprises."
Dianna Ryan--Tri State Blues Magazine
"Different Point Of Blue" has a big, bold, dynamic sound..." They embrace a great degree of sophistication in their performance and in their material."
Rick Hall, Blues Notes, Oregon
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