Ellen Rowe

Ellen Rowe, jazz pianist and composer, is currently Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan.  Prior to her appointment in Michigan, she served as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut.

Ms. Rowe has performed at jazz festivals and clubs throughout the U.S., as well as touring in Europe, South Africa, and Australia. CDs out under her own name include “Sylvan Way”, “Wishing Well”, “Denali Pass” and “Courage Music.”  Her latest project, “Momentum – Portraits of Women in Motion”, featuring Ingrid Jensen, Tia Fuller, Marion Hayden and Allison Miller was released to widespread critical acclaim in January 2020. The Momentum band was featured at the 2022 Jazz Education Network Conference and at Dizzy’s Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center) in March of 2023. Her new quartet, with saxophonist Mike Sakash, bassist Dennis  Carroll and drummer Neil Hemphill, will be making their first midwest appearance at The Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe in late February early March and recording a new album in June.