ENSEMBLES

The Neil Kelly Jazz Ensemble is a local south bay Jazz group that has been playing in public and private performance venues across the greater bay area for the past five years. The group is the quintessential representation of small combo, instrumental jazz improvisation. John Caredio (trumpet) presents an energetic yet soft-spoken melodic voice reminiscent of Miles Davis and Chet Baker in their prime. Jonathan Bautista holds the Tenor saxophone chair. His virtuosi solos and inventive melodic concept follow the traditions of Sonny Rollins and Johnny Griffin. Neil Kelly (guitar) paints a tapestry of beautiful harmony, influenced by guitarists such as Jim Hall, John Stowell, and Russell Malone. Patrick North (Bass) and Zak Morton (Drums) round out the rhythm section with a solid and stylistic metrical foundation.

The group’s repertory ranges from George Gerhswin and Cole Porter standards from the 1930’s and 40’s to progressive Jazz arrangements from the modern Jazz era. Cool Jazz and Brazilian Bossa Novas to down home blues and funky dance grooves. The group has a subtle and pleasing sound that is perfect for background dinner music, yet is also equipped to play more upbeat danceable music for the lively bar crowd. The Neil Kelly Ensemble performs monthly at The Green valley Grill in Watsonville CA. Neil performs in a quartet setting every Wednesday evening at the B Street and Vine wine bar in downtown San Mateo. The group performs annually for the Friends of Guadalupe river Park Foundation and has performed for Wells Fargo of Los Gatos, Bledsoe Law Firm of San Francisco, State Senator Joseph Simian, as well as many others.

The Neil Kelly Ensemble is currently searching to widen its playing venues to offer current fans more opportunities to witness the ensemble in public performance as well as to advertise for further private venue events. More information on the group is available here.

Contact Neil Kelly at (408) 499-0918, or neilsjazz@hotmail.com