Lee Ellefson

Guitar Instructor
Building 320, Room 207
250-247-9656
Lee.Ellefson@viu.ca

Lee began playing guitar at age 19, initially studying with his grandfather, Allan Hodgkins(performed and recorded with Django Reinhardt in the early 40’s), and in 1984 enrolled in the Malaspina Jazz Program.

Focusing on writing,performing,recording and promoting original compositions, Lee begins a long term collaboration with his father, saxophonist Art Ellefson.Together, Lee and Art (Jazz Modus) recorded 6 C.D.’s of original music and toured through-out Canada and the U.K.in group formats ranging from duo to sextet.

“Father and son teams tend to produce jazz that is both meaty and stable. A program of inventive originals shows Jazz Modus should come out of the backwoods and into the limelight.”

 Wire Magazine, London, England

“Guitarist Lee Ellefson plays in a musically disciplined manner with clearly articulated lines.”

Jazz Journal International, London, England

 “Now based on Vancouver Island, Art Ellefson and son Lee Ellefson continue to release thoughtful, lovely chamber jazz music. With Chris Nelson on bass, Interwoven is a beautiful collaboration that showcases some truly original tunes and the trio’s exquisite, intuitive playing. “

Times Colonist,Victoria,B.C.

Career highlights include performances with Kenny Wheeler, Ian McDougall, Phil Nimmons, Rick Kilburn, Rene Worst, Claude Ranger,John Capon and Nick McGowan.

Lee currently resides on Gabriola Island and serves as one of VIU’s most skilled, and most beloved, music instructors.