View from the Other Side

NOTES: Gary Kelly has performed and recorded with artists in many different styles of music. He is no stranger to Rock, Jazz, Funk, or Latin, as well as many World Music styles (Indian, Persian, Flamenco, Turkish). He has worked with Bill Frisell, Popa Chubby, The Mamas and Papas, The Tom Pierson Orchestra, and Martha and the Vandellas to name a few. This unique CD reflects his years of musical experience. The music offers a diverse palette that appeals to all tastes, and was produced to entertain the listener. The musical experience takes them on a journey, that provides a view from the other side of our existence, where we are one with each other and the world we live in. Free from the day to day hum of our lives, we can listen with new ears, the experience of sound becomes more sensual, and more vital. A collection of soundscapes, featuring inspired jamming and solos, the compositions are an eclectic blend of rhythms completed by modal harmonies, captured live in the studio. The session for this CD took place in Rome, Italy, an inspirational and creative environment, and the musicians are a mix of Americans and Italians. All virtuosos, the open jamming gave them a chance to express who they are musically, and communicate what they have to say. The "old school" idea, of bringing together a new group in the studio to record on the fly yielded a raw and immediate sounding session, with the energy of a live show. Playing in the studio for the first time the band had the edge and excitement that comes from having few preconceptions about the music. This could not have been possible without the great musicians involved. Their high level of musical expression and years of experience allowed for a spontaneous performance captured in time. Well known for his work in Italy, American saxophonist Michael Rosen contributed some gorgeous soprano sax melodies and solos. With a tone reminiscent of the great Wayne Shorter, as well as a powerful tenor sax sound, Michael adds a strong voice to the proceedings. Andy Gravish, a mainstay of the Italian Jazz scene, plays trumpet with his usual sophisticated mastery as well as some very sensitive flugelhorn work. His solos reflect his years of work in the U.S. and Europe with many great big bands and small groups in Jazz. Andy and Michael Rosen have played together in many groups. This allowed for some on the spot arranging, making a small band sound much bigger. Alessandro Gwis is one of Rome's most in demand keyboard/piano players. Versatile, and well schooled, as well as being a high energy soloist, he is an asset to any musical project. His ability to find the heart of each piece, no matter what style, adds colors and textures that give the music more depth. His soloing and melodic sense contributed a great deal to the sound of the music. Drummer Michael Lauren and Gary are old friends and rhythm brothers who have shared many stage and recording gigs over the years. They have contributed as a team to the music of many artists in a myriad of styles and situations. Michael is a recognized educator with a musician's resume that includes many well known acts from rock, blues, and jazz, not to mention Broadway, and his recent groundbreaking work in Portugal with a number of groups there. The communication and sensitivity in the rhythm section allows each piece to stand on it's own. Chester Harlan, born in Genoa, Italy is a world traveling guitarist. He works in Italy, the U.S., Brazil and France. He is known for his jazzy Brazilian playing, his acoustic electric can be heard on several pieces, as well as his lyrical electric guitar, rocking out and funking down. Chuck Anthony, another old friend of Gary's, guests on Dreamtime. A world class guitarist, he has been living in Sweden for a number of years, recording, playing and producing. He is the secret weapon to making any track flow with a feel that is the essence of earthy funk. He has appeared on CD's by many well known pop and R&B artists, from the Backstreet Boys and Ace of Base to the great Roy Ayers and African megastar Fela. Although drawn from different backgrounds, this group of musicians produced a distinctive sound, that is packed with emotion, energy and life.