William Ellis is at the vanguard of music photographers and is widely recognised as having created an important document of the international contemporary jazz scene - his contribution to the culture was recognised by the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City when he was invited to produce the Inaugural International Exhibition in 2005, and where he returned in 2008 to show his work in the exhibit 'Jazz in Black and White': Bebop and Beyond.

Ellis' work has been exhibited at international festivals and galleries in the U.K. and throughout the world including The Royal Academy of Arts, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and New York City.

William Ellis serves on the committee of the Milt Hinton Award for Excellence in Jazz Photography along with his peers - including Herman Leonard, one of the genre's defining photographers.

The work continues - shooting front of house and backstage at some of the world's legendary clubs and festivals. William Ellis' insightful portraits, telling performance and exquisite still life images which play their part in creating the visual heritage of today's jazz scene.

His images are in private collections worldwide - including those of the musicians with whom he has worked.

In 2008 William was commissioned by The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester's state-of-the-art international concert venue to produce a body of work which reflects the diverse range of music presented there and photographed amongst others Liza Minnelli and KD Lang.

Nick Reed, Chief Executive of The Bridgewater Hall proclaimed;

“The Bridgewater Hall is excited to be working with such a great photographer. William’s images really capture the essence of live performance. This long-term project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diversity of music and artists appearing at Manchester’s premier concert venue.”

The project is now almost complete and the exhibition of photographs will be held at the Richard Goodall Gallery in Manchester's Northern Quarter in May 2010.

'This is not reportage - this is Art.' Peter Vacher - The Guardian, Jazzwise.

www.william-ellis.com