Ellwood Epps

The Ellwood Epps Quartet debuted in July 2025 and has performed in Cambridge, Montréal, Toronto, and Boston. During a 2-year period of enforced silence due to immigration challenges, I composed a set of pieces, my first in 20 years. I also began teaching myself the trombone, and the sound of 2 brass, bass, and drums became a desirable context for this music.

The lineup varies, but the instrumentation remains consistent. The pieces use melodies, rhythmic structures, and relationships between players that I find interesting. I am attempting to use the written materials to bring a focus and tension to the music, and a sense of collective responsibility. I have intentionally left things out as a way of bringing out more from the musicians than what is asked for explicitly. I want each performance to have urgency and beauty, and I hope the music transforms the players and listeners.

Upcoming Performances

November 21, Cambridge MA: Ellwood Epps Ensemble: Ellwood Epps (trumpet), Kelly Bray (trumpet), Curt Newton (drums) + Readings by poets Ben Mazer, Philip Nikolayev, and Stephen Sturgeon. Phinista Cafe, 1876 Massachusetts Ave. in Porter Square. 7pm. $10-20 suggested donation.

Past Performances

2025:

September 25, Cambridge MA: Ellwood Epps Quartet: Ellwood Epps (trumpet), Kelly Bray (trumpet), Nate McBride (bass), Luther Gray (drums). Phinista Cafe.

September 20, Boston MA (South End): Ellwood Epps Quartet: Ellwood Epps (trumpet, trombone), Kelly Bray (trumpet), Beth Ann Jones (bass), Curt Newton (drums). 59 Wareham Street.

September 18, Toronto ON: Ellwood Epps Quartet: Ellwood Epps (trumpet, trombone), Jonny Luke (cornet), Rob Clutton (bass), Nick Fraser (drums). The Emmet Ray.

September 12, Montréal QC: Ellwood Epps Quartet: Ellwood Epps (trumpet, trombone), Émilie Fortin (trumpet), Pablo Jimenez (bass), Ben Brown (drums). La Poêle.

September 9, Montréal QC: Mardi Spaghetti presents the Ellwood Epps Quartet: Ellwood Epps (trumpet, trombone), Émilie Fortin (trumpet), Pablo Jimenez (bass), Ben Brown (drums).

July 29, Cambridge MA: Creative Music Series presents the Ellwood Epps Quartet: Ellwood Epps (trumpet), Forbes Graham (trumpet), Nate McBride (bass), Luther Gray (drums). New School of Music.