Ellis White

Original Music

MUSIC REVIEW - Jonathan Widran 

Catch The Groove’s debut EP  Smilin’ In Paradise, is full of cherry-picked tracks that the band recorded to reflect all the high energy,  sensual and soulful magic they’re known for on stage.  Guitarist/Producer,  Nils wrote and produced their first single,  “Shaken Not Stirred”  - an infectious old school soul-jazz tune which features funky old school horns (creating a buoyant,  classic Stevie Wonder-like vibe) and crisp,  tight electric guitar.
 
Dig a little deeper and Catch The Groove turns on the candlelight for  “When I See Your Smile”,  an elegant and atmospheric keyboard and passionate sax driven ballad with an easy crunching groove.    “She’s My Groove” eases from a raw distorted percussive industrial vibe with dark toned moodiness into a bright blast of bass fired fusion. The groove intensive  “Paradise” is a whimsical musical joy showcasing the powerhouse playing of each musician with the flavor of the Islands and features alternating lead melody horn lines from the sax and trumpet along with cool injections by White’s guitar.  Beginning life as an older piece  “Bolero De Funk” is a lively,  tight funk jam with Latin overtones – including a tasteful electric guitar solo. 

“While most emerging bands in the smooth urban jazz realm, thinking “simpler” will translate to more immediate airplay, play it close to the vest and in the pocket with a singular identifiable sound, Jacksonville’s wild and freewheeling Catch The Groove spreads the jamming melodic joy around. Refreshingly, each member gets ample lead time and solo spotlights, creating a diverse, high-octane vibe that draws from the many genres comprising the members’ musical backgrounds. The result is an exciting fusion of urban, rock, funk, and blues that transcends the predictable nature of so much of the genre’s music. With Nils in their camp now, and some spectacular composing and production of their own, they will soon be more than a North Florida phenomenon. Everybody needs to Catch the Groove!” - Jonathan Widran

 

MUSIC REVIEW - The Smooth Jazz Ride

Here’s a smooth sailing comfy EP of grooves that are so fitting for that perennial smooth jazz aficionado who loves the sassy horns, nifty guitar riffs, and genuine soul of the music. The EP’s entitled Smilin’ in Paradise, and the collection of musicians here call themselves simply Catch the Groove. Renowned guitarist Nils, bassist Darryl Williams, and percussionist Oliver Brown all put in classy showings on track 1 to get this party started.

With plenty of predominant horn voicings and arrangements, the project literally speaks for itself loud and clear. The lead track “Shaken Not Stirred,” a jazzy Nils-penned cut, kicks off this party with its foot-tappin’, finger-poppin’ persona, clean guitar lines from the beloved guitarist, and a catchy melody. It’s followed by “She’s My Groove,” a thick, mid-tempo sax-driven number with plenty of outspoken bass lines and drum presence. Here too, you will witness a very infectious melody and good ol’ lay-it-down-right funk. 

The pace is slowed down to a sweet horn-laden soulful piece with “When I See Your Smile” that’s heavy on the very vibe that runs the length of the jazz fan’s spine.

Keeping that slow, soulful groove going strong, “Paradise” features the enticing piano/keys work of Tory Harris and Malik Graham along with those chatty horns that keep the conversation going throughout this album.

The EP closes with a funky jam that combines jazz, funk, R&B, and a touch of island flavor — all wrapped neatly and cleverly in a feel that just has to grab you by the ears.

Short and sweet, this EP is long and hot on charm and body. Grab a listen! – Ronald Jackson

 

MUSIC REVIEW - Smooth & Soul Starportrait

Jacksonville, Florida based formation Catch The Groove was founded by guitarist Ellis White. The core lineup is featuring bassist John Baker, keyboardist Malik Graham and saxophonist/flutist Michael Stanley. New members are trumpeter Max Bednarchik, percussionist Elvyn Rodriguez and drummer Omar Torres.  

The EP Smilin' In Paradise is their debut project. The first track Shaken Not Stirred was written and produced by Nils Jiptner. He is well known for his prolific work and outstanding nationwide reputation. The energetic piece has that certain powerful and energetic groove, we love by this great guitarist. Ellis White performs the guitar, while bassist Darryl Williams, and percussionist Oliver Brown have an appearance as guest musicians.

The characteristic and unique sound of the group shows in its impressive expression on the second tune She's My Groove. Driven by John Baker's signature bass, fine tuned by keyboardist Malik Graham, saxophonist Michael Stanley and trumpeter Max Bednarchik present a superb and sonic horn arrangement.

When I See Your Smile is based on this proven horn concept, but thrills the audience with a convincing and logically consistent melody. The aptly titled song Paradise combines all form of horn sounds melting into a perfect full-blooded smooth jazz. With Bolero De Funk the group spreads Latin flavor to their vibrant contemporary instrumental style.

Catch The Groove is name and impetus of this new rising star from Jacksonville. Smilin' in Paradise is a small foretaste of heaven with full body and savory melodies of more to come. - Hans-Bernd Hulsmann

 

MUSIC REVIEW - For The Love of All Things Jazz - Richmond, VA

ATTENTION: SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

What a fantastic way to finish out the year by announcing the newest 'artist group member' to our international jazz 'family'!!

Please join me in welcoming: Ellis White (founder, guitar), John Baker (bass), Malik Graham (keyboards), Mike Stanley (sax, flute), Max Bednarchik (trumpet), Elvyn Rodriguez (percussion) & Omar Torres (drums) aka Catch The Groove!!!

They're holding down the #45 spot on this week's America's Music Charts*** with "Shaken Not Stirred" featuring Nils, Oliver C Brown & Darryl Williams from their project: 'Smilin' in Paradise!' / 2017!!

This is Catch The Groove's "Bolero De Funk" / Smilin' in Paradise / 2017  Love this urban, Latin, funked up big band sound...bringing you their own tower of power!!! 
 
More from Ellis and the boys real soon...
 
Enjoy!
Mr. G

 

MUSIC REVIEW - Smooth Jazz Daily

Jacksonville, Florida based band - Catch The Groove was founded by guitarist Ellis White. The core lineup is featuring bassist John Baker, keyboardist Malik Graham and saxophonist/flutist Michael Stanley. New members are trumpeter Max Bednarchik, percussionist Elvyn Rodriguez and drummer Omar Torres.

The EP Smilin’ In Paradise is their debut project. The first track Shaken Not Stirred was written and produced by Nils Jiptner. He is well known for his prolific work and outstanding nationwide reputation. The energetic piece has that certain powerful and energetic groove, we love by this great guitarist. Ellis White performs the guitar, while bassist Darryl Williams, and percussionist Oliver Brown have an appearance as guest musicians.

Sharing some recent reviews/comments from radio and others in the industry.

“We're enjoying the tight pocket groove and the overall musicality on display here. Appreciate the call & response section between the saxophone and guitar.”

“Digging the octave work on the electric guitar and the saxophone really carries a conversation well over the arrangement as a whole.”

“Super funky jazz track. There is not much I want to tell you on how to improve because this is super chill and so well balanced!!”

“What an instrumental groove song!”

“Nice track with some inspiring melodies and chords.”

“Great record. We would love help you push this single and get the awareness it deserves.”

“This amazing composing guitarist has been a “friend” and “artist member” of our international jazz page since December30, 2017 as an outstanding musician and bandleader! Solid! You’ve got to love this groove!!”

Get your copy now! These are a few of the awesome comments via radio feedback:

“Favorite song so far this year!”

“The hit for the summer.”

“Not only is this is a great song, it’s a great music production. All stations should want to play this tune on air”

“Hot track”

!! Our New EP available now on ITunes, Amazon & CDBaby !!

“ Life is a lot like jazz... it's best when you improvise. ”

— George Gershwin