Steven Cravis - Recording Artist
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enchanting, timeless masterpiece...
Pools of Light by Brian Kelly is an enchanting, heart opening, timeless masterpiece. He interweaves melodic lines and rhythms, and layers sounds to achieve a musical sound that is instantly mind expanding. He's also merged New Age with Jazz which is difficult to do, similar to rare artists such as Pat Metheny. You can't go wrong with this album.
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Kathy Parsons
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An amazing debut...
"Pools of Light" by pianist/composer Brian Kelly is sure to be on my Top 10 favorite CDs list for 2004. An amazing debut, the album is comprised of music composed and played in a variety of styles that include jazz, classical, and world. Two of the pieces are solo piano, and the other eleven tracks include keyboards, flute, and/or percussion. Kelly's playing style has an easy elegance that comes from a phenomenal technique and chops to burn. His music is rhythmic and lyrical, and the moods range from pensive to joyous to ethereal. Despite the changing moods, the CD as a whole has a wonderful flow and cohesiveness, creating a uplifting and relaxing musical experience.
"Open Sky" opens the album with a buoyant, carefree piece that is full of rhythm and excitement. The title track is much more meditative and soothing, and was inspired by a trip to Maui. "Cool Blue" is a great jazz piece for flute, piano, percussion, and bass - this one sounds like fun to play! "Sacred Waters" is a surprising little percussion interlude inspired by a waterfall in a jungle on Maui. My favorite track is "Troubadour," an ensemble piece where Kelly played all of the instruments himself (piano, sampled guitar, bass, and drums). A little mysterious, it was influenced by Kelly's years of singing a capella Renaissance music. Parts of the piece swirl and dance, and others are a bit quieter. I really like the energy in this one! "Angels Breathing" is very new agey with floating sounds, gentle bells, and a beautiful piano part. "With Eyes Closed" is another favorite. Rhythmic and kind of dark, it, too, has a compelling energy and spirit that are addictive. "Home At Last" is a gorgeous piano solo with a beautiful flow. "Calling For Rain" is more of a smooth jazz piece, a little dark, a bit mysterious, and there's that catchy, compelling rhythm again! Good stuff! The second piano solo, "Speak Your Heart," is much showier and full of passion - it really shows what Kelly can do at the piano. "When Stars Align" closes the album with an upbeat and breezy little jazz piece.
"Pools of Light" is an outstanding debut, and Brian Kelly is a very versatile musician who is comfortable playing many styles. Very highly recommended!
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jonaco
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...IT'S ALL HERE!
West Coast cool jazz, Polynesian exotica, dreamy light classical...it's all here in the person of talented Bay Area pianist Brian Kelly. He artfully blends strains from the likes of Vince Guaraldi, Martin Denny and the Windham Hill family- plus a hint of Elizabethan melody- for a rhythmic yet laid-back sound that's pure California (and Hawaii). Most of the tracks have Pacific and island inspiration ("Pools of Light", "Troubadour"). Brian also has a medieval-music background, and that shows up on some delicate, flute-like melodies. A pure, bright sound here- pure Brian Kelly.
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Smoothjazz.com Review
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A lush, sparkling journey!
I've always enjoyed the New Age elements that the Smooth Jazz format has integrated into its core sound over the years, feeling that it helps keep the genre diversified and rich. With that thought in mind, I'm delighted to recommend the debut CD from San Francisco Bay Area keyboardist Brian Kelly. 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 as you experience Mr. Kelly's work, which is infused with elements from the genres of Classical, World, and Jazz. Billed as "contemporary piano instrumentals featuring flute and percussion," POOLS OF LIGHT is 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." Brian Kelly's background, which includes extensive composing and playing, as well as singing and acting, serves him well on this debut project, as 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! ~ SCOTT O'BRIEN
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