Jeremy Ellis at Theory + Practice

Detroit-born Jeremy Ellis, sometimes known as Ayro, got a good start by being born into a family of musicians. Before he became known within the Motor City dance scene, he spent his early years studying classical and jazz piano. On record, Ellis shows himself to be an impressive, versatile talent;...

By Cory Casciato

January 14, 2010

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Detroit-born Jeremy Ellis, sometimes known as Ayro, got a good start by being born into a family of musicians. Before he became known within the Motor City dance scene, he spent his early years studying classical and jazz piano. On record, Ellis shows himself to be an impressive, versatile talent; his recordings are soulful affairs that incorporate influences from hip-hop, Latin and R&B into a base of classic house and breaks. But as impressive as tracks such as "Let This" and "Bounce" might be, they only hint at his true abilities. Live, Ellis takes his compositions to another level entirely, coaxing complex, fully realized and improvisational sets from the Akai MPC drum machine/sampler while singing, dancing and playing a bit of keyboard. It's the kind of performance that can change perceptions about what an electronic musician can accomplish in a live context, and it will keep you dancing all night long. Hear for yourself when Ellis plays Saturday, January 16, at Theory + Practice (738 Santa Fe Drive).

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