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Jan
11
2012
Pools of Light Solo Piano Songbook Review
Here's a review of my latest songbook from MainlyPiano.com (Kathy Parsons):
 "Brian Kelly’s Pools of Light Solo Piano Songbook is a completely revised and expanded edition of the e-book that was published in 2006. Twelve of the thirteen tracks from the album are included (“Sacred Waters” is a percussion interlude that isn’t adaptable to the piano), transcribed by Kelly himself and arranged for solo piano; I helped with the editing. The Pools of Light recording is ensemble, so some of the parts for other instruments have been incorporated into the piano part to make the sheet music sound as close to the original recording as possible. Kelly also wrote four pages of performance notes to help the pianist understand his intentions and to note differences from the recording. Coming from the composer himself, these notes are invaluable!
Brian Kelly is an incredible pianist who is very fluent in jazz stylings, so his music is far from simple and would be beyond beginning and intermediate pianists’ capabilities. Some of the pieces include cadenzas that are complicated and require very nimble fingers. The jazz rhythms are complex (and a lot of fun!) and some of the pieces have difficult key signatures (noted below). Kelly has suggested fingering for some of the thornier passages and expression has been carefully indicated according to the CD. The book is printed on bright white paper with clear, crisp type, and is spiral bound. The spacing within the scores is roomy and easy to read, and the cover is a beautiful print of the album cover artwork on glossy stock, making this a very attractive book! If you are a pianist at an early advanced to advanced playing level, this book is great fun and very satisfying to play! It is available from amazon.com and www.briankelly.com, and I highly recommend it!"
Dec
09
2011
Now in print! Pools of Light Solo Piano Songbook
From composer/pianist Brian Kelly: " Pools of Light Solo Piano Songbook", the companion sheet music book to his acclaimed piano instrumental album, is now available in print edition.
The 88-page songbook is spiral-bound and printed on high quality paper with a glossy cover. This edition has been completely revised and expanded. It includes twelve solo piano transcriptions of music from the album, as well as performance notes and detailed fingering. Price: $25.
Available now from BrianKelly.com
Songs: Open Sky * Pools of Light * Cool Blue * Unfolding * Expect a Miracle * Troubadour * Angels Breathing * With Eyes Closed * Home at Last * Calling for Rain * Speak Your Heart * When the Stars Align
May
21
2009
Mar
26
2009
Afterplay debuts at #31 on Smooth Indie Star Chart
Afterplay, the latest CD by pianist & composer Brian Kelly, debuted at #31 on the Smooth Indie Star Chart on March 23, 2009 and is among the "most added" (in company with Boney James, The Rippingtons, Joe Sample…). For more information about radio chart activity for Brian Kelly, visit www.briankelly.com
Jan
28
2009
Brian Kelly Afterplay CD #3 on NAR Chart Dec. 2008
Afterplay, the new CD by composer and pianist Brian Kelly, continued to hold the #3 position on the NAR Top 100 Radio Chart in December 2008. The chart tracks radio and internet airplay of New Age, Ambient, and World music.
Jan
01
2009
Brian Kelly working on Solo Piano album & Songbook in 2009
I'm currently composing and rehearsing music for a solo piano album of original compositions. The goal is to ultimately release a solo piano album and publish a companion solo piano songbook. Preview demo tracks from the album here: www.solopianocd.com or www.solopianoartist.com
Dec
29
2008
Nov
30
2008
CD Reviews of Brian Kelly / Afterplay album
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"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.
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Nov
18
2008
Airplay map for Brian Kelly Afterplay CD
 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.
Nov
12
2008
Brian Kelly on Music In Motion compilation CD
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"Angels Breathing" (from my Pools of Light album) is included on a new compilation CD called "Music In Motion", which showcases the music of piano artists from North America, New Zealand and Europe, who offered their music for audio-visual projects at Swan Lake: Moving Image & Music Award. I'm in excellent company here. Experience some great music by other pianists. The CD is available now at: NewAgePiano.net
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Nov
03
2008
CD review of Brian Kelly Afterplay album by mainlypiano.com
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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.
“Afterplay” is a real treat for the ears and is good for the soul as well. It’s available from www.briankelly.com, amazon.com, cdbaby.com, and iTunes. Very highly recommended!
Oct
27
2008
Help promote Brian Kelly music
Here are a few things you can do to help promote my music. Any help you can provide will be much appreciated.
Oct
27
2008
Brian Kelly's Angels Breathing is Track of the Week
 "Angels Breathing", track #8 from my Pools of Light CD, was "Track of the Week" in Ambient on garageband.com the week of October 27, 2008.
Oct
20
2008
Brian Kelly Angels Breathing music in video
"Seeds" (original title "Angels Breathing") by Rebecca Johnson, Tobias Albrecht and Robert J. Wierzbicki with music by Brian Kelly is now available for online viewing.
Oct
15
2008
New Brian Kelly CD: Afterplay – available now
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My new CD, Afterplay, is available now and ready to ship! Order from my website: www.briankelly.com
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$14 |
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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
Jul
28
2008
New CD from composer and pianist Brian Kelly to be released in October
Afterplay, the new CD by composer & pianist Brian Kelly, will be released October 15, 2008. A contemporary blend of Smooth Jazz and New Age styles, the album features the world-class talents of Eric Crystal on sax, David Rokeach on drums, James Robinson on guitar, Viviana Guzman on flute and other fine musicians. Both the physical CD and the mp3 album download will be available on www.briankelly.com
Join Brian's mailing list and receive a Free download from his latest album!
Track List:
1. River Rush
2. Smiling South
3. New Vision
4. Snowflakes Rising
5. Flavor Seven
6. Afterplay
7. Heaven On Earth
8. Celtic Fire
9. Stone Shine
10. Reach For The Stars
11. Sunchaser
Jul
15
2006
Brian Kelly recording and mixing new music
New CD Report
Recording and mixing of the new Brian Kelly CD are progressing beautifully. In addition to James Robinson on guitar and Ross Wilson on trumpet and trombone, tracks will feature:
 Eric Crystal – sax
Eric was recently named one of the top 10 Rising Star Soprano Saxophone players in the renowned Downbeat Annual Critics Poll. He has worked with with Boz Scaggs, Omar Sosa, and others.
 David Rokeach – Drums
David has performed and/or recorded with: Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Ray Charles, Joe Satriani, Aaron Neville, Steve Miller, and many other world-class musicians.
Jun
20
2006
Piano Podcast #3
 Piano Podcast #3
Episode 3 includes a Bonus Track from the Southeast Asian release of Brian Kelly's CD, Pools of Light (re-titled "Expect a Miracle" on the Orange Music label), and 2 tracks from Pools Of Light. To listen, visit: PianoPodcasts.net
Mar
15
2006
PianoPodcasts.net launched by pianist Brian Kelly
Pianist & composer Brian Kelly has launched a new website called PianoPodcasts.net. "PianoPodcasts will feature Solo Piano and Piano Instrumental music from independent contemporary artists in diverse styles, as well as recordings of my own work. In the first episode I start things off with 3 un-released pieces of my own (April Sky, Circles in Air, Reach for the Stars)."
Dec
10
2005
Pools Of Light: The Solo Piano Songbook
 NEW – "Pools of Light: The Solo Piano Songbook"
The entire set of sheet music from the Brian Kelly CD, Pools of Light, (12 solo piano pieces, 67 pages) is available online in pdf format for $24.95 (appropriate for intermediate – advanced players). Go to:
www.solopianosongbook.com
Nov
20
2005
Brian Kelly music featured on Oasis New Age Sampler CD
Oasis New Age Sampler CD
"Open Sky" (the first track from the Pools of Light CD by Brian Kelly) is featured on the New Age CD Sampler released by Oasis CD Manufacturing on track #12, Disc 1. The double-disc promotional CD will be sent to college and community radio stations throughout the U.S. in December 2005.
Nov
15
2005
Pianist Brian Kelly to perform at Stanford Cancer Center
I am a regularly featured pianist for the Ambient Piano Series at Stanford Cancer Center on Wednesdays from 12pm-3pm. Other pianists include: Barbary Grant, Varsha Saxena, and Janie Horton. This music program is provided by Carolyn Reller in appreciation of Dr. Steven Chang and Dr. Paul Fisher. Check my Concerts page for specific dates.
Sep
15
2005
Brian Kelly Pools Of Light CD re-packaged for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia: For those of you living or traveling in Southeast Asia, Pools of Light is now in the stores at Sembawang Music Centres in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. It includes two bonus tracks: "April Sky" and "Tracing Rainbows". The album has been retitled "Expect A Miracle" and the artwork has been slightly modified (shown below)
Jul
10
2005
Brian Kelly keyboard work on debut release by Shanta
 New Release: Brian Kelly's piano & keyboard work is featured on the debut CD release by Shanta, Find My Way Home.
May
15
2005
Brian Kelly / Pools Of Light CD distributed by New Leaf
The Pools of Light CD by composer & pianist Brian Kelly is now distributed in the U.S. by New Leaf Distributing Co.
Retailers may order online from New Leaf's website, or by calling 1-800-326-2665
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Brian Kelly is an award-winning composer, pianist, and recording artist who has released acclaimed contemporary instrumental piano albums and published solo piano songbooks of his music. Brian resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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