Jaz Ellington

Jaz Ellington

Jaz Ellington is a UK singer-songwriter and vocal arranger whose work draws on soul, R&B, gospel, jazz and funk. He describes music as an “audible diary”, and his writing and arrangements focus on personal experience and direct, confessional detail. His voice is described as a powerful instrument, and his style reflects influences from gospel singers such as Kim Burrell, alongside artists including Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. He also grows up listening to Doris Day, Stevie Wonder and Jill Scott, which shapes his vocal approach.

Background and development

Ellington spends around 15 years involved in music and comes from a family with musical connections. He develops his sound during his secondary school years, where he refines his tastes and achieves a number of musical milestones. He is based in the United Kingdom.

Television and live work

He appears as a contestant on The Voice UK in 2012, where he performs John Legend’s “Ordinary People”. He later performs at gigs across the country, opens for Lauryn Hill, and works with will.i.am on a project for NASA.

Releases and later activity

In 2017, Ellington appears on the BoxPlus television show Fresh On Friday. He also releases the single “Vanguard” and the EP Enter the Nomad. He is later announced as one of the acts competing to represent the UK at Eurovision in 2018.