About

Darkness into Light

An eclectic kaleidoscope of jazz, blues, rock and world music

Darkness into Light blends jazz, blues, rock and world music to create an eclectic mix of styles and genres. Musical director Nathan Ladyzhensky comes from Odessa, Ukraine. Formerly with the San Francisco Symphony and Opera and a veteran studio session player, Nathan plays violin, keyboards, mandolin, guitar and percussion, and would play more instruments if there were room on stage.

With a degree in voice from the Boston Conservatory, lead singer Elissa has performed at Carnegie Hall, sung the national anthem at an NFL game and and toured Italy singing classical and—really—gospel music. Her powerful voice moves effortlessly through a wide range of styles.

Lead guitarist Greg Richey is a Texas/Georgia boy; over the years, his bands opened for Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, the Byrds, the Ramones, B.B. King, Joe Jackson and many others. More recently, he played lead guitar for the Bay area band the Slipstream Sparrows.

Lee Richardson has a Master’s Certificate from Berklee School of Music, anchors the group at bass and produces their recordings and backing tracks. His prior local bands include Urban Fiction and Sweatbox. In past lives, Lee played jazz trumpet, French horn, and sang in light opera.

This group of exceptional musicians with diverse backgrounds and influences puts on a unique, genre-defying show.

Darkness Into Light is available for performances in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. See the Contact page to get in touch.