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
“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 “River Rush;” 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!”- Creations Magazine
“Brian Kelly follows his brilliant debut release POOLS OF LIGHT with yet another outstanding, compelling collection of originals… The musical integrity and lyrical sensitivity that Mr. Kelly brings to the table for his projects is clearly evident on this release. At a time when commercial Smooth Jazz too often heads in the direction of cliché, Brian Kelly’s AFTERPLAY is a refreshing example of how we can keep this music genre exciting and vibrant!”- SmoothJazz.com
“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.“
“Brian Kelly (and company) tear it up on Afterplay, track after track… this album came at me like a bolt of lightning. It’s chock full of great tunes, superb musicianship… Fans of early Spyrogyra (circa Freetime) - this one is a must have.” - Bill Binkelman, newagereporter.com
“Bright and upbeat, “Afterplay” provides a bit of sonic optimism in these days of uncertainty and change… 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.” - Kathy Parsons, mainlypiano.com
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. Brian Kelly music is played on programs featuring new age, smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, instrumental or world music.
“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!
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
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
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
Here’s an excerpt from the review: “…POOLS OF LIGHT is a lush, sparkling journey into a beautiful world of elegant melodies and brilliant artistry. The music rises and falls in powerful, yet gentle, waves of emotion… a totally captivating collection of original compositions that range from delicate, heartfelt solo piano (”Home At Last” and “Speak Your Heart”) to ensemble performances that are full of dynamic tonal color and intricacies. My favorites include the breezy “Open Sky,” the engaging, jazzy “Cool Blue,” and the equally jazzy and tasty “When the Stars Align.” … he translates complex emotions into engaging musical experiences that both captivate and inspire. I highly recommend Brian Kelly’s POOLS OF LIGHT as a collection of music that I am confident will find a permanent place in the “most-played” section of your music library!” Read the entire review.
For those of you living or traveling in Southeast Asia, Brian Kelly’s Pools of Light album is now in the stores at Sembawang Music Centres in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. It includes 2 bonus tracks: “April Sky” and “Tracing Rainbows”. The album has been retitled “Expect A Miracle” and the artwork has been slightly modified (shown below)
My Afterplay album is eligible for a Grammy Award. The Recording Academy considers it to be more Pop than Jazz, in league with Spyro Gyra... 2009/10/01
~ am thoroughly enjoying the first season of "Flight of the Conchords" on DVD. 2009/09/15
The 2009 Just Plain Folks Music Awards Album Winners announced: Afterplay came in 2nd place in the "Best Instrumental Jazz Album" category. 2009/09/01
