Reviews
Based out of Cincinnati, where he’s been a fan favorite for decades, Leroy Ellington is best known for his work as a sax playing front man for several of the hottest R&B bands working on both sides of the Ohio River. After switching to soul blues about seven years ago, his performances remain just as funky – as this CD clearly shows. A perennial nominee for Cincinnati Music Awards, Ellington’s career began in the ‘80s as a member of Ritchie And The Students, a doo-wop group led by Richard Johnson, who penned “I’m So Young,” a tune picked up by
Leroy Ellington’s “Sanctified” is definitely on holy ground when it comes to the sound of great blue eyed soul. From the Sax to the vocals it’s drippin’. soul with every note. Take particular notice to “What Would You Do”, one of the best written songs I’ve played in 25 years of Blues Power. It hits home no matter who you are. ..You get the complete package with Leroy Ellington and the Sacred Hearts!
For some 30 years, saxman, showman, shaman, and singer Leroy Ellington has been pleasing crowds in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky region, doin’ it to death as the leader of an eight-piece funk firestorm. His latest project, with a band affectionately named Sacred Hearts, is called “Sanctified,” and is eleven original cuts that pairs Leroy with some of the cream of the crop of players from that Kentucky-Ohio area, including Max Gise and Marcos Sastre on guitars, Bam Powell on drums and vocals, Charlie Fletcher on keys, Mike Grosser on bass, and a brilliant horn section. The cuts draw on Leroy’s career
So when an artist I’m writing about has shared the stage with so many greats of the blues genre, rather than mention those greats individually, I usually just say something to the effect of them collectively adding up to one hell of a two to three day blues festival. That said, if I were to refer to the artists that Leroy Ellington has shared the stage with I’d have to say they’d have the liking of an oldies revival; an R&B revue; a country jamboree; a rock fest; and last but not least, a blues festival. Like that skillful kid