Album Notes

The Dave Longfellow Ensemble is an instrumental quintet focusing on the performance of aggressive/progressive Latin jazz music. The DLE is dedicated to creating new musical expressions involving the steel pans, and to spreading the beauty and versatility of these instruments to new audiences.

Major musical influences on the DLE range a broad spectrum from Debussy to the Dave Matthews band, and include: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Jaco Pastorious, The Beatles, John Coltrane, Michel Camilo, and folk music from around the world.

Members of the DLE have performed with some of the most visible and respected members of the steel drum world, including: Dr. Ellie Mannette, Andy Narell, Jeff Narell, Robbie Greenidge, Ray Holman, Ken “Professor” Philmore, Dr. Christopher Tanner, Phil Hawkins, Darren Dyke, and Pan Ramajay.

Playing extensively in West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, the DLE has the versatility to blow the roof off of a packed club or to entertain hundreds at large festivals. Live performances consist of original music as well as a myriad of cover songs arranged by band members. In concert, the DLE combines modern grooves, jazz harmonies, infectious melodies, and rhythms of the African Diaspora to produce a high-energy show filled with improvisation and spontaneity.