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This year I'll be sharing album projects with you as they progress, starting with my newest contemporary jazz project: "Walk on Fire". It is comprised of 12 instrumental tracks in which I play all of the parts: piano/keyboards, percussion, and sampled instruments. The song formations and arrangements are essentially complete. However, some of these tracks sound a bit "Muzaky" to my ear. So, the next stage in the process will be to record live musicians (playing acoustic instruments: sax, flute, bass, drums) and replace or enhance the sampled tracks. Right now, I'm working on creating music charts (sheet music) for the musicians in preparation for recording sessions.
I invite you to listen, comment, make suggestions, or just enjoy. Tell me what you like or don't like. Suggest song titles or tell me which track should be first… Just go to SoundCloud and, while listening to a track, click on the blue bar below the audio waveform to add your comments/suggestions (see example: right). You'll be prompted to login by using your Facebook account or establishing an account on SoundCloud ~~ easy. I look forward to hearing from you!
I've just released sheet music for two songs from my Afterplay album. These are Piano Transcriptions of "Afterplay" (track #6) and "Celtic Fire" (track #8). They're available now on my website as pdf downloads. 7 pages each, price: $4 each ~ recommended for advanced players or those who want insight into my piano technique, improvisational style, and contemporary jazz voicings. Go to: http://www.briankelly.com/sheet-music/
"I have found a jewel with Brian Kelly's Afterplay. This is a brilliant piece of musical arrangements with Brian on the keys and great compliment of artists sharing sheer genius! Afterplay is a wonderful blend of contemporary jazz with a taste of New Age. The music does it for me: smooth, melodic, entrancing and relaxing. Particularly titles: River Rush, Smiling South, Heaven On Earth and, of course, the title track. You can listen to Afterplay time after time. Brian takes you anywhere your music sensitivities want to go!" - Dionne Maldonado,
WFSS 91.9 FM, Fayetteville, NC
"Afterplay is an exciting contemporary jazz album which engages the listener from the very first note. I was blown away by the immediacy, the insistence of the opening cut ìRiver Rush;î a driving, smooth and satisfying offering which I only wished lasted three times longer! … As the album played to the end, textures varied and moods shifted, but the quality never faltered from the high bar set in its first cut. Congratulations to Brian Kelly!""
"There is a sense of raw and unadulterated joy in the playing that escapes many artists.You'll definitely want to keep your ears on this gent. He'll be at the top of the charts before you know it … Grand energy and style that gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me – very impressive! "-Improvijazzation
"the swing and complexity of melodic jazz and the studio precision of Steely Dan… make a confident statement. "- East Bay Express
Enjoying the CD already? Post your own review atCdBaby, Amazon, or iTunes.
Afterplay, is being promoted to radio stations worldwide November thru December 2008. On my website I've posted an interactive Google Map which shows the radio stations that are currently (or will soon be) playing the CD. If you live in the listening area of one of the stations, please call the station noted and request my music. Follow the link to a sation's website and check their program schedule. My music is played on programs featuring new age, smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, instrumental or world music.
CD Review: Afterplay / Brian Kelly
Reviewed by Kathy Parsons
Publication: MainlyPiano.com
Date: Nov. 2, 2008
“Afterplay” is pianist/composer Brian Kelly’s follow-up to his exceptional 2004 debut, “Pools of Light.” Bright and upbeat, “Afterplay” provides a bit of sonic optimism in these days of uncertainty and change. Don’t get me wrong – this is far from ear candy or sugary fluff. More jazz than new age, Kelly has created a collection of eleven rhythmically and melodically complex pieces that are easily accessible for casual listening yet provide a substantial and sensual auditory experience for many repeated plays. Brian Kelly appears on piano, keyboards, percussion, penny whistle, and voice, and is joined by Eric Crystal on sax, David Rokeach on drums, Ross Wilson on brass, Carol Alban and Viviana Guzman on flute, James Robinson on guitar, and Tim Bolling on additional percussion. “Afterplay” begins with “River Rush,” a piece that is both energetic and leisurely. Piano and percussion give the silky sax a slight edge, providing an enticing opening to the musical pleasures that follow. “Smiling South” is one of my favorites. Beginning with an infectious rhythm and a playful piano intro, this piece dances and swirls with a joyful energy. Ross Wilson adds additional color and pizzaz with trumpet and trombone – love it! “New Vision” slows down the pace a bit, but maintains an upbeat, easy-going mood. “Snowflakes” Rising” is a gentle, sparkling musical confection – another favorite. I also really like “Flavor Seven,” again playful and full of fun with just a touch of mystery. The title track brings back the sax along with piano and some catchy rhythms – smooth jazz with a gentle bite. “Heaven On Earth” is a gorgeous trio for piano and two flutes. As the title implies, it conveys a blissful, floating feeling that is pure musical peace. “Stone Shine” features Kelly on a variety of keyboards along with guitar and percussion. Rhythmic and a little on the dark side, its playful energy is infectious. “Sunchaser” closes the CD as it began, easy and joyful with a toe-tapping rhythm and a warm sense of contentment. Brian Kelly has outdone himself with his second release. If you haven’t yet heard “Pools of Light,” be sure to pick up a copy of that one, too – the two CDs complement each other exceptionally well.
My new CD, Afterplay, is available now and ready to ship! Order from my website: www.briankelly.com
$14
I've turned up the heat on this album. It's more energetic than my first, while still offering space for beauty and quiet eloquence – it's a full meal! I remain committed to strong melodies, fluid chops, and richly textured arrangements, and am joined by some fantastic musicians who really bring the music alive: Eric Crystal on sax, David Rokeach on drums, Viviana Guzman and Carol Alban on flutes, James Robinson on acoustic guitar, Ross Wilson on trumpet & trombone, and Tim Bolling on percussion. The CD is also available from: CdBaby & Amazon
Tell me what you like or don't like. Suggest song titles or tell me which track should be first… Just go to SoundCloud and, while listening to a track, click on the blue bar below the audio waveform to add your comments/suggestions (see example: right). You'll be prompted to login by using your Facebook account or establishing an account on SoundCloud ~~ easy. I look forward to hearing from you!
