Ben Ellman is an American saxophonist, harmonica player, and producer most widely known as a member the New Orleans-based funk band

Galactic Galactic is an American jam band from New Orleans, Louisiana. Origins and background Formed in 1994 as an octet (under the name Galactic Prophylactic) and including singer Chris Lane and guitarist Rob Gowen, the group was soon pared down to a ...

, with whom he has made eight studio albums. He joined the group in 1994, when they were known as Galactic Prophylactic. Ben also works as a DJ under the name Gypsyphonic Disko, where he mixes New Orleans style funk with klezmer, Eastern European and other exotic music.

Production

As a producer Ben has overseen Galactic’s recordings since 2007, and has produced artists such as

Trombone Shorty Troy Andrews (born January 2, 1986), also known by the stage name Trombone Shorty, is an American musician, producer, actor and philanthropist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known as a trombone and trumpet player but also plays drums, ...

, Stoop Kids,

The Revivalists The Revivalists are an American rock band formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2007. The eight-piece band consists of Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar, guitar), David Shaw (lead vocals), Zack Feinberg (guitar), Rob Ingraham (saxophone), George Gek ...

, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Soul Rebels,

Big Freedia Freddie Ross Jr. (born January 28, 1978), better known by his stage name Big Freedia ( ), is an American rapper and performer known for his work in the New Orleans genre of hip hop called bounce music. Freedia has been credited with helping popu ...

, as well as singer-songwriter

Ryan Montbleau Ryan Michael Montbleau (born June 18, 1977, in Peabody, Massachusetts, United States) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He annually tours across the U.S. with the Ryan Montbleau Band. Background Although he received his first gui ...

and rapper

Lyrics Born Tsutomu "Tom" Shimura (born September 2, 1972), better known by his stage name Lyrics Born (formerly Asia Born), is a Japanese-American rapper, singer, and producer. He is one half of the duo Latyrx with Lateef the Truthspeaker. Early life Shi ...

. Ellman produced the Trombone Shorty album “ Backatown”, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2010, and

hit album “ Men Amongst Mountains” , which included the single “

Wish I Knew You "Wish I Knew You" is a song by American rock band the Revivalists. The song was written by the band and was produced by Ben Ellman. The song peaked at number 1 on the ''Billboard'' Adult Alternative Songs chart, becoming the band's first chart-t ...

” which went to #1 on Billboard’s Alternative chart in 2015

Other Pursuits

As a sideman Ellman has played on recordings by Harry Connick,

The Afghan Whigs The Afghan Whigs are an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio. They were active from 1986 to 2001 and have since reformed as a band. The group – with core members Greg Dulli (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick McCollum (lead guitar), and John Curl ...

, Ani DiFranco, Theryl “Houseman" , The Royal Fingerbowl and Corey Henry. In March 2019, Galactic's members purchased the legendary New Orleans venue Tipitina's, making Ellman one of the club's owners.

References

American saxophonists American harmonica players Musicians from New Orleans Living people Year of birth missing (living people) {{US-musician-stub