Whats new:
9/26 – trying to keep up with the posts, but have to confess I can get a bit lazy. A few irons in the fire – The new self-published edition of the Jazz Chord/Scale Handbook is selling steadily and available exclusively from Gary Keller Music. Click the link to see how to order. The new edition feature expanded content and revisions reflecting insights gained from my teaching and performing since the original edition was published in 1998. Price is $25 plus postage and handling, can remit via PayPal or Venmo, To order send an email to gary@garykeller.net with your address and preferred payment method.
I have been cajoled to come out of retirement and teach for one day a week at the New World School of the Arts, the high school both my kids attended and also the winner and finalist in more Essentially Ellington Competitions that can be counted. It’s a nice change to be working with the younger kids, so energetic and into it. Jim Gasior has a truly amazing program going on there!
Later in October is the Fredonia Jazz Ensmeble reunion for us players dating back to the 70’s (OMG). It’s so much fun to see many firends form those years and, sadly, to pay tribute to a few who have left us. Out student led jazz workshop launched quite a few successful careers in music and the arts. Many fond memories!
Fans of my dear friend and mentor Ron Miller will be excited to hear that The Regions Tribute to Ron Miller is now available digitally on Spotify, with other outlets soon to come. Former students of Ron’s have banded together to create an album of some of his iconic tunes, under the direction of producer Jon Gilutin. This pandemic project was done all remotely in our individual home studios and it sounds pretty awesome thanks to Jon’s keyboard and production prowess. These are all new approaches and fresh arrangements on ten great tunes!! My particular contribution was on the tune “Men in White.” Hope you like it.
Slightly less recent developments:
I am also pleased to see the release of Cheap Thrills featuring the music of tenor saxophonist Rick Margitza by the South Florida Jazz Orchestra. I was a treat to lead the sax section on this recording.
Even older but not too old stuff:
I’m very happy to announce Brian Lynch’s new big band album The Omni-American Book Club has won the Grammy award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Recording. You can hear me blow alongside Dave Liebman on the 4th track “The Trouble With Elysium.” Crazy chords! The sax section is all Frost alums and my former students, anchored by lead alto Tom Kelley.
Miami Sax Quartet You Tube channel
Gary Keller is a Conn-Selmer endorsed artists. This means added support for clinics/concerts. Contact Gary Keller or visit www.connselmer.com for details.
To subscribe to the e-mail list of Gary Keller or the Miami Saxophone Quartet, click here and enter “subscribe” in the subject heading.