Ellen Pieroni is a seasoned sax player, multi-instrumentalist, music educator + promoter. She has been playing the saxophone since she was 8 years old, and has been a sidewoman in a multitude of bands for about a decade. Pieroni has contributed to many projects over the years, including Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra. Her current project – Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul (EoS) – presents a refreshing brand of smooth-infused soul jazz. Although the group is inspired by artists such as Grover Washington Jr., Freddie Hubbard, King Curtis, and the Crusaders, EoS puts an emphasis on new original music. Pieroni released her debut album – The Encyclopedia of Soul Vol. I – with EoS in March 2023. The album includes Adam Bronstein on guitar, James Benders on bass, Isaiah Gethers on drums, and Tyler James on keys.