Our self-titled debut, our second CD, "Where The Waters Run," and our limited edition T-shirts can be ordered at our
website: www.leelaandelliegrace.com .
Leela and Ellie Grace are singers,
multi-instrumentalists, songwriters, and percussive dancers who grew up
traveling across North America performing professionally as part of The Grace
Family. Leela and Ellie's performances include a compelling mix of music and
dance that is rooted in tradition but crosses easily into the contemporary folk
realm, including their own acclaimed original songs. The sisters recorded three
albums with The Grace Family, in addition to doing studio work with other
musicians, and have two acclaimed duo CDs. They have performed at prestigious
venues across the United States and Canada, ranging from the Winnipeg Folk
Festival to the Lincoln Center in New York City.
"Leela's and Ellie's singing is clear, pitch-perfect, and expressive. Soaring is
a word that comes to mind." -- The Old Time Herald
The duo is known for their stunning sisterly harmonies, powerful singing voices,
multi-instrumental expertise, and unmatched precision percussive dance.
Audiences remember Leela and Ellie's evocative original songs, warm stage
presence, and toe-tapping old-time groove. Between them, they play mandolin,
guitar, fiddle, and banjo and have decades of experience in performing,
choreographing, and teaching percussive dance styles that include Appalachian
clogging, Irish Step Dancing, and Rhythm Tap.
"Two of the finest and most entertaining cloggers around."
--Rock River Friends of Folk Music
Since graduating from college in 2000 (Leela) and 2001 (Ellie), they have
continued to tour the country, sharing their love of music and dance with people
of all ages. As a duo and as solo artists, they have appeared at national folk
festivals, collaborated with highly respected performers, and inspired young and
old alike as teachers of music and dance. In November of 2003, they released
their long-awaited debut duo CD, recorded in Vermont with revered old-time, folk
producer/composer/multi-instrumentalist Pete Sutherland and many of the East
Coasts finest musicians.
"Leela and Ellie Grace soar off this disc like a breath of fresh air in the
smoky atmosphere of singer-songwriters. This lively recording, exquisitely
produced by Pete Sutherland, is truly a joy to behold...If you’re hesitant to
take a chance on new artists, rest assured this CD will leave you in a state of
grace." Sing Out!
After a lifetime spent based in Columbia, Missouri, the sisters have ventured
out in search of new and exciting musical opportunities. 2006 saw Ellie
relocating to the musical mecca of Asheville, North Carolina and touring with
the Dirk Powell Band. 2007 saw a move to the other coast by the older sister and
the release of the highly anticipated new CD, "Where the Waters Run," from Leela
and Ellie. This beautiful album was produced by Leela and Ellie and includes
nine of their stunning originals and two traditional songs. Leela and Ellie
spent 2008 meeting in Portland, Oregon; Asheville, North Carolina; their
hometown of Columbia, Missouri; and everywhere in between to make beautiful
music together in support of their new CD.
"Their work
is among the freshest and best anywhere on the American folk music
scene."-- Kent Anderson, Folk DJ, KCSC
"This second CD from sisters Leela and Ellie Grace is a smart and harmonious set, mostly comprising original songs with a bright sound and an uplifting outlook. Their blend of complementary mountain-clear voices recalls the sound of groups like the Wailin' Jennies and Uncle Earl, and the arrangements featuring mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and guitar also place them firmly in the modern American roots realm..." -- Dirty Linen Magazine
More information: www.leelaandelliegrace.com