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Paul Keller

Paul Matthew Keller was born March 11, 1962. He began studying the string bass at age 12. By age 16 Paul had played his first jazz gigs in his hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. He continued his classical music education at the University of Michigan and moved to Ann Arbor permanently in 1986.

Today, Paul is one of the busiest bassists in the Detroit area. He has earned the nick-name "The House Bass Player For The State Of Michigan" as each year, he logs so many miles traveling across the state to perform at various music venues. At his home-base, the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor, MI, Paul leads the 15-piece Paul Keller Orchestra, which plays original, obscure and classic big band material from all periods of jazz history. Under Paul's expert leadership, the PKO (formerly known as the Bird of Paradise Orchestra) has garnered critical and popular acclaim, accepting Washtenaw Council for the Arts "Annie Awards" and Detroit Music Awards for excellence in performing arts. Their CDs are:

Hallelujah Train, Project X, BINGO!, Paris Blues, A Tribute To Count Basie and A Tribute To Benny Goodman. These recordings spotlight Paul's fine compositions and arrangements. The Paul Keller Orchestra has enjoyed two tours of Europe. The PKO performs every Monday night from 8:00 PM till 11:00 PM at the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor. PKO big band Monday nights at the Firefly Club are a beloved Ann Arbor tradition! Check out

www.fireflyclub.com.

Paul is co-leader of the popular Keller/Kocher Quartet. Together since 1987, they recorded Midnight Sun andPipe and Slippers. This group features the vibraphone wizardry of Cary Kocher. The KKQ tips it's hat to George Shearing, Nat King Cole and Lionel Hampton.

The Paul Keller Ensemble is a three-horn sextet that features creative arrangements by Keller and his bandmates. The PKE's 2005 CD Steady Gig features their vocalist Susan Chastain singing 11 of her favorite standards with memorable arrangements by Keller. The PKE's 2003 CD Christmas Songs For Jazz Lovers contains 12 joyful performances of Holiday classics. The PKE's 1997 CD, Tall Corn, includes seven original Keller compositions and showcases the band's extraordinary improvising skills. Tall Corn celebrates through jazz the season of harvest and the beauty of autumn. The PKE performs every Wednesday night from 8:00 till midnight at the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Check out www.fireflyclub.com.

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Album Review

Chuck Hedges: Just for Fun

Read "Just for Fun" reviewed by J. Robert Bragonier


Some elitists persist in thinking that, despite the history of the art form, legitimate jazz today is only made in New York City. Others will agree in concept only if the West Coast is included as well. For those who disagree with both groups, Arbors Records has been a boon. Many releases on this label feature solid, swinging jazz that originates in the great heartland, played by musicians who are less well known but have talent and chops to burn. ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Medicine Man

PKO Records
2019

buy

Just for Fun

Arbors Records
2001

buy

Love Is The Answer

From: Medicine Man
By Paul Keller

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