Daniel Dodd-Ellis

Frontman, singer, and songwriter, Daniel Dodd-Ellis began his band career singing with groups in Germany, such as Star Family and Marius Müller-Westernhagen. Primarily a classical singer and theater actor, he formed his own acoustic soul quartet in 2003, which has expanded to a six and seven-piece band in subsequent years. Rooted in gospel and classical music, Daniel's rich bass-baritone vocals are an instant inspiration to get to the dance floor and to listen with appreciation.

Julian Berghoff studied Pop, Jazz, and Rock at the Hochschule für Musik in Hannover and soon thereafter went on to perform on studio hits, such as Mousse T's "Horny" and "Sex Bomb" from the album, "Gourmet De Funk". Since joining the band in 2003, Julian has played an instrumental role in co-writing and arranging the bands original songs. His virtuous soul and blues piano solos are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Julian also employs his dynamic rock and pop keyboard skills as band leader for the well known Swiss singer, Patrick Nuo.

Versatile bass player, Daniel Thieme, joined the band in it's original formation. Since then, he has shared functions as band leader and mixing engineer on the band's first EP in 2008. Not only is he a skilled funk and upright bass player, but Daniel is also a talented classical contrabassist and a regular background vocalist for live shows. Trained at Hamburg's Hochschule für Musik and the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Daniel has performed in the pit orchestras of Hamburgs hit musicals, "The Lion King", "Dance of the Vampires", "Dirty Dancing", and "Ich War Noch Niemals in New York". Daniel has also been a member of the successful Arabin band, The Shibly Band, since 1998.

Drummer, David Paulicke, has developed quite a reputation for beat dynamics and versatility. He is a multifaceted drummer and composer, now CEO of his own company, Trigonomics, which specializes in music for games and movies. Originally from Halle in Saxony-Anhalt, Paulicke has garnered several awards for music production, including the ADC Award and recognition on the Cannes 2007 Shortlist. He has also been featured on several albums as drummer and producer, including on the track, "Eines Tages" (AZAD feat. Cassandra Steen), which topped the MTV charts for 8 weeks.

Guitarist/Singersongwriter, Melvin Poole, can be heard playing guitar on the bands debut EP as well as at live performances. He has also performed professionally with artists, Roachford, Gabriel Gordon, James Kakande, T.T.F, Marc Sway, Floy, and Kurt Maloo, to name a few. His famous concerts, The Nebula Sessions, were groundbreaking on the Hamburg scene. Melvin has appeared in various music videos, as well as Fatih Akin's award-winning film, "Soul Kitchen".

Leandro Saint-Hill Montejo was born in Camagüey, Cuba. He began violin lessons at age 7 and, at 11 years of age, he began studying saxophone with prominent saxophone instructor, Maio Lombida. After graduating from the Jose White Music School, he began teaching in the music conservatory in Las Tunas. Leandro moved to HAMBURG in 1994. His special, funky sound makes him a saxophone favourite on the latin-funk scene in Europe. Saint-Hill currently works as a woodwinds player, vocalist & composer in his band "St-Hill & Colectivo". He received a Grammy Nomination for his performance with Omar Sosa live recording of his album, "Across the Divide" at the Blue Note in 2008. Today he is member of: Omar Sosa Quintet, 4to Chanchullo, T. Martinez & The Cuban Power, and "HOPE" musical band. HE has also performed or recorded with the artist Patrice, G. Rubalcaba, and, of course, on Daniel Dodd-Ellis & Band's debut EP.

Hamburg singer, Birgid Jansen infuses her own personal mix of power and sensuality into her backing vocals. She possesses all the charm and flair of a seasoned jazz and pop singer and all the fierceness of a soulful first lady. In Germany, she has been studio and background vocalist for bands, including Orange Blue, Sarah Connor, and the Bomfunk MCs. She also travels with her own Quintett, "Birgid Jansen & Band" and frequently as a duo with various pianists. Birgid's presence on stage is a delight you don't want to miss.