Geordie F.O. Kelly

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Born: August 4, 1970    Primary Instrument: Guitar

Geordie Kelly has been described as a “guitar player's guitar player” (iTunes). He has been priveleged to share the stage with people such as Mulgrew Miller, Grady Tate, Ray Codrington, Jiggs Whigham, Ed Calle, Bobby Shew, Von Freeman at the New Apt Lounge on 75th St on the south side of Chicago, Phil DeGreg, Maureen McGovern, Antonio Onorato, Pietro Condorelli and Aldo Farias in Naples, Italy, Frank Mantooth, Bob Bowman, Ritchie Cole, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, The Turtle Island String Quartet, and Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln City Jazz Orchestra. Geordie was a featured soloist on the acclaimed debut recording by the East Carolina University Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Directions 1 (1993), the “DB” award winning University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble entitled Kentucky Kaleidoscope (1996), and has made one recording under his own name entitled Triple Play (2005). On this recording, his playing and compositions garnered recognition and respect from other notable jazz guitarists and jazz critics alike. His teaching and academic resume includes having taught guitar, jazz improvisation, jazz combo performance techiniques, and jazz ensemble performance techiniques at the Armed Forces School of Music. Selected as a guest clinician, he presented portions of his research on the performance techniques of Joe Pass at the 1997 IAJE Conference in Chicago, Ill. Later that same year, he published a transcription of In a Mellow Tone from Joe Pass' Portraits of Ellington album in DownBeat. Geordie studied guitar with Jimmy Bruno, and holds music degrees from East Carolina University (BM) and the University of Kentucky (MA) where he authored a five-chapter Masters Thesis entitled, Joe Pass: Elements in the Construction of Selected Guitar Solos. He has performed extensively in North America and Europe, and in parts of Africa. His recording, Triple Play, has met with tremendous success all over the world including Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Denmark, Sweeden, Norway, Estonia, South Korea, and Israel. Recognized internationally as a first-class jazz guitarist and composer, he earned the prestigious honor of being an Endorsement Artist for Heritage Guitars (since 2001).

Last Updated: August 4, 2008
Scott Yanow, one of the most renowned jazz critics of all time, took the time to write this article about my CD. It is available on his web site, and in the June 07 issue of the Los Angeles Jazz Scene.

”Geordie F.O. Kelly has a quiet sound on the guitar and an introverted style that is subtle and sophisticated. On Triple Play, which was recorded in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he interacts with bassist Peter VenDeReit and drummer Christopher Koroshetz. The group performs six of Kelly’s intriguing originals, a version of “Doxy” that humorously alters a few of the melody notes, a rendition of “It Could Happen To You” that has an extension in each chorus, and a solo guitar showcase on “Beautiful Love.” While none of the musicians are household names, they are talented players, especially Geordie F.O. Kelly whose sound and style are a little reminiscent but not derivative of Jim Hall. (available from www.geordiekelly.com)” Scott Yanow - http://www.scottyanow.com/LosAngelesJazzScene.html (May 5, 2007)

”Geordie, your CD sounds great!!!” Jimmy Jimmy Bruno - Jazz Guitarist, Author, and Mel Bay recording artist

I'm digging on your CD. Rachel's Bossa is a real sweet tune. A good lady can inspire some great music.... Nice pure tone, I'll have to check out a Heritage sometime. Great tempo for Doxy---SCHWINGIN'! In the Grip has got some really nice harmonic stuff. Great relaxed vibe. Man thanks alot for sending it, I'm going to go listen to the rest. I look forward to hanging at some point... JK PS=dig the II-V-I shirt! - Jonathan Kreisberg - NYC Jazz Guitarist and Mel Bay recording artist (Mar 31, 2006)

“Great writing, a beautiful guitar sound, a great time-feel and a great band. This is an incredible CD!” Bruce Bruce Saunders (NYC jazz guitarist) - After listening to an advanced copy of “Triple Play” ”You're a really beautiful player and I especially like your time feel and your writing. You sound really great on your CD and I know people are going to be talking about it.” Bruce Bruce Saunders NYC jazz guitarist and Mel Bay recording artist

“Geordie is a gifted guitarist and composer, first class all the way!” --- Vic's comments after listening to “Triple Play” - Vic Juris - Jazz Guitarist, Mel Bay recording artist

“Thanks so much for the music!! The solo guitar stuff is really swinging as well as the rest.” - Vic Juris - Jazz Guitarist, Mel Bay recording artist

“Geordie has a put together a great CD. With influences from all the greats, nice tone and feel, this CD will find a welcome home in any jazz enthusiasts collection.” Corey Christiansen - Jazz Guitarist and Mel Bay recording artist

“I enjoyed your CD [Triple Play]. You show a knowledge of improvisational skills & a willingness to take chances, which I like. Good luck with your CD.” Royce - After listening to advanced copy of “Triple Play” Royce Campbell - jazz guitarist ”I enjoyed listening to your clips...your sound and attack remind me a lot of Tal [Farlow].” Doug - Doug Wamble - Jazz Guitarist

“Geordie, the CD sounds wonderful - great tone from that Heritage. I would say you certainly captured the flavor of Joe Pass on your composition 'One For Joe'. Nice job!” Best regards, Bob (Cincinnati based jazz guitarist) - Bob Roetker

“Hey Geordie, your web site looks great and the clips sound excellent!” Bob Bob Roetker - Cincinnati based Jazz Guitarist

“Congratulations on your project. It's a nice package and sonically sounds very full. I think you captured how well you all are in tune with each other. The fact that you had a ball playing together really comes through, your connectiveness is apparent through solos and how you 3 listen to one another.” - Steve Abshire - Former US Navy guitarist and current DC area mainstay and recording artist (Aug 29, 2005)© 2007 Geordie F. O. Kelly

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Featured recording “Triple Play”
Triple Play
Independent (2005)

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