The Mission Blue Cello Quartet


The Mission Blue Cello Quartet is comprised of members Joan Jeanrenaud, Alex Kelly, Joanna Blendulf, and William Skeen. The quartet performs arrangements of classical works by Vivaldi, Telemann, Lupot, Glass, and Pärt, as well as music written for the group by Joan and Alex. Joan’s new work, Transition, is written for two cellos and two viola da gambas. Our program also features a duet for two gambas by Marais, performed by Joanna and William, and a work for solo cello by Steve Mackie performed by Joan. The variety of our program provides a captivating musical experience for any audience. For booking information, please contact Alex: alex@alexkelly.com
 

The Dresher Ensemble: The Tyrant

Inspired by the writings of Italo Calvino, Paul Dresher's The Tyrant is a solo chamber opera written for tenor and long-time collaborator John Duykers. It depicts the claustrophobic world of a despot who is so afraid of being overthrown that he refuses to leave his throne. Isolated deep within his palace, the Tyrant is forced to experience his kingdom entirely through the medium of sound. After years of absolute control and constant vigilance, he is weary and overcome with doubt and fear. The Tyrant was premiered in Philadelphia in 2005, and has since been performed in Cleveland, OH, Oakland, CA, and San Francisco, CA. There is an upcoming performance in Berkeley, CA at the Zellerbach Playhouse June 7-9, 2007.

Pamela Z : Wunderkabinet

Wunderkabinet is an experimental multi-media opera developed by composer/performer Pamela Z in collaboration with cellist/composer Matthew Brubeck and media artist Christina McPhee. Scored for voice & electronics, cello & electronics, & video, the piece is inspired by and based on the exhibits displayed at the enchanting and renowned Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles. Pamela Z and Alex presented Wunderkabinet at Disney Hall’s REDCAT theater in Los Angeles October 12-15, 2006.

The 7th Avenue String Quartet

The 7th Avenue String Quartet was assembled for the premiere adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s landmark novel, “To the Lighthouse.” at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. The quartet was described by the San Francisco Chronicle as being "first rate" and "vibrant" by the L.A.Times. The score by Paul Dresher also received critical acclaim by the New York Times and many other publications.

The members of the 7th Avenue String Quartet include violinists Justin Makevich and Sarah Jo Zaharako, violist Charith Premawardhana, and cellist Alex Kelly. The 7th Avenue string quartet performs traditional classical music, as well as contemporary works and jazz. The quartet is a quartet for hire for special events and weddings. Contact Alex for booking information: alex@alexkelly.com

Cooke Quintet

 Cooke Quintet is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is exploring new paths in improvised and composed music, mixing a variety of styles and techniques that draw upon the creative energy of a multicultural experience, both in and out of America. CQ's approach to acoustic jazz allows for a new freedom of emotional expression. The instrumentation of CQ presents a fresh twist on the classic jazz quintet - woodwinds, trombone, cello, koto and percussion can be heard interacting here. Together, these five musicians collaborate in ways that might best and simply be described as "improvised group music."
Alex Kelly on cello and drummer Timothy Orr stirs up a provocative concoction of rhythmic suggestions and allusions. Two other members of the group, Shoko Hikage on koto and Jen Baker on trombone, add an indispensable flavor and shading to the proceedings. Multi-instrumentalist Michael Cooke heads up the ensemble as both leader and composer. CQ's release, an indefinite suspension of the possible, on Black Hat Records has been getting radio play all accross the world.
"...ethnic, classical, jazz, and free improv elements together in surprisingly cohesive fashion." - Dave Wayne, jazzreview.com
"A wonderful depth of sound and style… it encompasses such a rich degree of feeling… repeat listens are well rewarded..." - KFJC 89.7 FM
"…the record brims with pugnacious loquacity alternated with spiritual depth and inquisitive-minded playfulness..." - Massimo Ricci, Touching Extremes 		"…this unit boasts great compositions in equally convincing interpretations…"
Marc Medwin, Dusted Magazine

CKW Trio

CKW Trio's approach to acoustic post-modern jazz allows for a freedom of emotional expression. With solid grooves and explosions of energy and sound, CKW Trio's music reminds one of the music being played by Ken Vandermark and John Zorn's Masada. The instrumentation is similar to Julius Hemphill's trio; woodwinds, cello and percussion. CKW trio plays in a cutting edge jazz style making use of modern forms like circle music and experiments with time and rhythm. They use various non-western scales and sounds as central points for launching into improvisations. This adventure in jazz is created by the unique ideas of the members of the group and can be heard on their new CD, The Is.
"Exotic and intellectually challenging, the trio's program gives their audience much to consider." – Jim Santella, Cadence

The Fahklumpt Klezmer Trio

If you are in need of music for your Jewish wedding or special event, we’ll be your band. The trio features Aaron Novik on clarinet, Dan Cantrell on accordion, and Alex Kelly on cello. We provide prelude, ceremony, and cocktail hour music for weddings in the bay area. Our selections include klezmer, Balkan, and classical music. Contact Alex for booking information: alex@alexkelly.com

You Said Saturday

You Said Saturday is a rock band that has performed in many famous San Francisco and Los Angeles venues. Members Peter Scott, (songwriter, producer, and guitarist) and Joshua Young (lead vocals) lead the band with Travis Craig on bass, Christian Williams on drums, and Alex Kelly on Rhodes, sampler, and electric cello. Their debut album has been successful, and their second release will be coming out in the spring. Both albums were mixed by Joe Chiccarelli, and the new album is being mastered at Abbey Road. Be sure to check back regularly on myspace and at www.yousaidsaturday.com for show dates, locations and album purchasing information.