With his brand new release ‘Afterplay’, composer, pianist, and producer Brian Kelly has delivered a body of work that oozes sophistication. Although originally from the ‘New Age’ side of the tracks this collection places him firmly into upbeat contemporary jazz territory and demonstrates that he is more than comfortable to be there. In addition, with supporting musicians that include Eric Crystal on sax, David Rokeach on drums, Viviana Guzman on flute and James Robinson on guitar, the quality is never in doubt. Crystal has played with Boz Scaggs while Rokeach has anchored both Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles. In this exalted company Kelly remains the master of everything he touches and the classy arrangements he provides to the eleven self penned tunes are a joy to behold.
Born in New York City, Brian grew up in Palo Alto, California. He began playing piano at age 8 and recalls listening endlessly to side two of the Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ and a recording of Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto. Experience as a stage actor and performer in dozens of plays and musical theatre productions at TheatreWorks and the Palo Alto Children's Theatre, as well as his four years of singing madrigals in an ‘a cappella’ group, helped to inform his creative work and in 2005 he released his debut album of piano instrumentals, ‘Pools of Light’, on his own Skylight Music label. The CD stayed at #1 on modern instrumental radio in North America for two months and was included in the top 10 New Age albums of 2004.
‘Afterplay’ opens with the onomatopoeic ‘River Rush’ that shimmers like cascading water while ‘Celtic Fire’ has more of Kelly’s dazzling keys and a jazzy energy all of its own. Kelly marks the spot where new age meets contemporary jazz with the pleasing ‘Stone Shine’ and his virtuoso playing is once more on display for ‘Flavor Seven’. Feisty in the extreme it’s a number indicative of the surprises that ‘Afterplay’ often has in store and this is particularly so with the smoky title cut that features nice interplay between Kelly and Eric Crystal.
‘Smiling South’ is driven by Kelly’s intricate keys which here bestow a distinctly Grusin-esqe quality. It is blessed by superb trumpet from Ross Wilson and in similar vein is ‘New Vision’ which evokes something of Bob James circa the late eighties. Personal favorites include ‘Sunchaser’ that could easily double as the theme tune to a ‘road movie’. James Robinson on featured guitar helps to engender what is a totally uplifting vibe yet truth to tell Kelly is often at his best when turning the tempo down. The delightfully chilled out ‘Reach For The Stars’ is an absolute gem and ‘Heaven On Earth’ finds Carol Alban magnificent on flute. This sumptuously tender piece is beauty personified yet even better is the wonderful ‘Snowflakes Rising’. With a magical cinematic aura this tender track is an absolute treat.
‘Afterplay’ by Brian Kelly is music for grown ups and is worth checking out. For more go to www.briankelly.com
