E.J. Yellen believes that a musical performance should never be 'background' music.  Engaging the listener with the magic and power of live music is his primary goal.

At an early age in Brooklyn N.Y. he began playing gigs in the resort areas around Woodstock and Monticello. After graduating the Jordan College of Music at Butler University in Indianapolis, he joined musical friends in Philadelphia in the fusion ensemble Reverie. Reverie with it's original music influenced by Weather Report, Steps Ahead and Miles Davis quickly became a mainstay of the Philadelphia music scene. Besides E.J., the band included Jim Miller, Gerald Veasley, Mark Knox and on occasion, the amazing guitarist, Jef Lee.

His influences include John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson and Miles Davis along with many others.

Since those days E.J. has worked with just about everyone in the greater Philly region including Mickey Roker, John Blake, Doc Gibbs, Johnny Coles and many more. He has also worked and recorded with Larry Coryell, Joey DeFrancesco, Don Alias, Victor Bailey, Alex Foster and even the O'Jays.

He enjoys teaching all levels of music to students and is a strong supporter of music in public schools as part of a well rounded educational experience.

Though based around Philly, he continues to play and seek out new creative situations with his own group, E.J. Yellen Quartet.