Ron Ellman Bio

Upon hearing Sugarcane Harris and then Jean-Luc Ponty play with Frank Zappa in 1969, Ron Ellman began to take notice of the violin as a legitimate musical instument. But it was not until around 1970 when hearing Seatrain and then The Flock at Goose Lake that Ron Ellman decided to really get involved. He began studies at the University of Michigan in 1971 and started taking violin lessons with a student of the world renowned maestro Mischa Mischakoff. This led to a six year stint under the tutelage of none other than Mischakoff himself.

Also in Ann Arbor around 1975 he had the chance to meet Steve Dudash, David Mason and Madcat Ruth who were early influences toward improvisation. All three played with the New Heavenly Blue band at the time, which featured Chris Brubeck (Dave's son) on trombone and bass.

Mixing country/jazz/celtic studio and live gigs as well as radio and TV commercials (Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Stratus) during the '80's Ron enjoyed stints with Chicago Pete, Michigan Opry State-Wayne Theatre house band with Luis Reso on piano, opening for stars such as Merle Haggard, Johnny Paycheck and Hank Williams Junior. It was during this time the Ron Ellman Quartet was organized which featured spirited jazz/fusion stylings on electric violin and baritone violectra.

Throughout the '90's Ron Ellman joined forces with various duo combinations - Mary McGuire, Susan Calloway, Robert Dempster and Jere Stormer. He also played several live and studio dates with Stewart Francke. His emphasis during this time began to include composition.

During this decade , Ron Ellman has enjoyed playing with the Forbes Brothers (country), the Layabouts (anarcist rock), a violin/string harp duo with Cece Webster (celtic), the Gypsy Strings of Detroit (European swing jazz) andduring October Ron had the opportunity to play with the Big Brother and the Holding Company (rock) at the Royal Oak Music Theatre which celebrated the 40th anniversity of the Grande Ballroom. Also on the bill was Jackson Brown and Tower of Power.

Currently, Ron Ellman takes part in a duo called Synthony Arcato. This duo blends new age, celtic and classical music with movie scores as a target market. While continuing to do studio session work and commercial jingles, he is hoping to produce a recording of his own original compositions (some of which are sampled on this site). Ron has also joined Arlington Station, playing violin and mandolin -- currently playing shows and recording. Finally, Ron is working toward finding compatible musicians to provide both inspiration and technical backing for recording his original compositions.

Ron Ellman instrumentation includes a Zeta 5-string electric midi violin, Barcus-Berry Baritone Violectra, Amedee Dieudonne 'classical' violin with a Mills microphone pick-up and L. R. Baggs piezo pick-up, Ovation MM68 mandolin, Martin HD-28 guitar, J. B. Vuillaume guitar-violin, 'Spicatto' kevlar adjustable violin bow and a beautiful Hubert Chanon 'presentation' violin bow.

Ron Ellman uses a JBL powered monitor for amplification and a Furman pedal board with various effects pedals. He uses an L. R. Baggs Para Acoustic D. I. pre-amp when using the 'classical' violin live.

Ron Ellman plays midi electric violin.

Ron Ellman instrumentation includes a Zeta 5-string electric midi violin.