BASS PLAYER
Ty Ellis
When it comes to the four-string guitar (and these days, often five) known as the bass, through the years Springfield has been blessed with a good number of fine players. This year's winner, Ty Ellis, comes from the next generation, topping out over others who have consistently won in the past and bringing fresh talent to the forefront.
Currently the bassist in the popular Rochester-based group UNCHAiNED, Ellis is riding high on the success of the band, including recently joining the group on WQLZ-FM for the single release of "Psychedelic Picnic," UNCHAiNED's first original tune recorded for public consumption (it's available on all digital platforms), hitting stages all year long at the big cool venues in town including The Curve Inn, Danenberger's WineRocks and Route 66 Motorhead's Bar, Grill and Museum, plus rocking beer tents at the Illinois State Fair and other big gigs, which is really cool for a band of friends just recently out of high school.
Not long ago, it was a huge deal for Ellis to meet and hang out with his bass hero, Norwood Fisher of Fishbone, and to learn the famous rocking dude is going to listen to the new UNCHAiNED single. More highlights for the band and the best bassist of 2022 include the full EP release of Psychedelic Picnic on Oct. 29, coinciding with a party and show at the Curve.
Things are looking up big time for Ellis and the band, so don't be surprised if his name pops up in future Best of Springfields for many years to come.
