Background
He got an early introduction to show business when his father ran the Hiller Old Tyme Circus in Detroit, Michigan.
He got an early introduction to show business when his father ran the Hiller Old Tyme Circus in Detroit, Michigan.
Eller"s work draws on an abundance of direct or indirect influences from the first half of the 20th Century, combined with a modern perspective and a healthy dose of rock & roll energy. Many of the lyrics deal with American politics both historical and contemporary. The songwriting draws on many historical people and events but addresses contemporary American culture.
Lyrical subjects have ranged from pigeon racing and performing elephants to sweatshop fires and presidential assassinations and the Hartford circus fire of 1944.
Historical figures as diverse as Buster Keaton, Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Joe Louis, Jack Ruby, and Elvis Presley appear in the lyrical content. An excellent and highly intriguing singer/songwriter who is based in New York City, Curtis Eller has successfully brought a variety of influences to his unorthodox folk-rock vision.
The banjo-playing Eller"s work has an old-time feel, drawing on an abundance of direct or indirect influences from the "20s, "30s, and "40s (including country singer Jimmie Rodgers, cowboy icon Gene Autry, and Mississippi Delta bluesman Robert Johnson). --Alex Hederson (Allmusic) Eller has released four full length CDs and a two EPs with his band Curtis Eller"s American Circus.
,,,, Saving my Heart for the Butcherman (2012).
The recordings feature Eller on banjo & lead vocals and a backing band that consists of upright bass, drums, accordion, pedal steel, tuba, violin and lots of three part harmony. Eller frequently tours the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Canada, both as a solo act and as the leader of his band The American Circus. In addition to the usual folk, punk and indie-rock clubs, he has appeared in numerous unusual venues, including funerals, horse races, vaudeville/burlesque revues.
He has shared the stage with contortionists, strippers, glass-eaters and folksingers.
The live performances are high energy, intensively physical events. In 2010, Eller relocated to Durham, North Carolina where he continues to record and perform regularly.