Born in Austria, Tribe leader and guitarist Ulrich Ellison sets out to a daring journey between tradition and innovation. Classically trained with two Master degrees in Music, Ulrich was selected for a Fulbright scholarship and moved to Austin TX, the fastest growing music community in the US. That’s where he turned heads after he won 3 international Downbeat student awards in the years 2008-10, category Blues/Rock. Since then, he has released 3 albums and his band quickly advanced from being a local favourite to a nationally touring act, all in DIY style. Ellison’s musical influences are very diverse, but there is a constant: his love for the electric guitar and for the blues. “Many of my songs have a blues backbone, even though people have compared my music to artists as diverse as Dave Matthews Band, Sting or Porcupine Tree. I couldn’t do without the blues.” His band “The Tribe” features 23-year-old super drummer Mike Davila (winner of the Mapex DOT2012), bass woman and wife Sabine Ellison (Rev Frank TT) and keyboardist Darrell Commander (Peter Rowan). Voted “#8 Best New Band” and “#2 Best Instrumental” at the 2012 Austin Music Awards, they have opened up for rock giants Uriah Heep and Nazareth on their European tour in 2012 and since then started touring the US and Central Europe. With a fulminant show that is ready to go from hard-hitting rockers to breath-taking guitar jams to well crafted ear candy, Ulrich Ellison and Tribe play anything from blues festivals to jam band open airs to smoking nights in your neighborhood bar. Check out their current live trailer on youtube. BIO Ulrich Ellison was born and raised in Graz, Austria, though his ancestral roots go back to Ireland. After paying his dues in the rich Viennese music scene, a prestigious jazz scholarship enables him to settle in one of America’s musical hot spots – Austin TX. While working at his MM at UT’s jazz department he wins three of the acclaimed Downbeat student awards. The diversity of the local scene ranging from blues, salsa, rock, indie to singer/songwriter turns out to be the perfect playground for developing a unique personal style. Dubbed as “Viking Blues”, Ellison’s music mainly draws from blues, rock, irish and celtic elements. His jazz-fusion background always shines through as well. So far he has released three albums under his own name. His band “The Tribe” features award-winning drummer Mike Davila who won the worldwide Mapex “Drummer Of Tomorrow” competion in 2012; bass woman Sabine Ellison, known for her work with Bloo Voodoo and Austin blues star Birdlegg; and keyboardist and native Texan, Darrell Commander (Peter Rowan, etc.). The Tribe also works and collaborates with different guest musicians on a regular basis, including violinist Will Taylor (Strings Attached), John Nelson (Thievery Corporation, Poi Dog Pondering) and percussionist Tony Cruz (Hardproof Afrobeat). Of course that’s not all. There is always a new goal ahead, a new challenge, a new sound. “Music always comes first. It’s a blessing if a piece of music is well-received or a concert turns out to be a big success, but in the end, the ultimate happiness comes from within. The artist has to follow his inner voice and pace” says Ellison, who has played music in almost any style and setting. In a ruthless and fast-paced music biz, Ellison has found the value of building long-lasting relationships with fans. “If people keep supporting me via patronism.com, they not only empower me to create more music for them. We literally become one tribe, and they become part of the music. This connection enables me to share my craft on a very personal level.” Three European club tours have helped him to reach new ears. Last year, he opened for rockers Uriah Heep and Nazareth. When he is at his home base Austin, TX, Ellison enjoys playing regional blues gigs, jam sessions and doing sideman work for other artists like grammy-nominated singer Abra Moore or “The Voice” – finalist Nakia.