February 2021 Newsletter

Mondays @ the Jazzlab, a special performance of Journey Home, & more...

Greetings!

I hope the year has begun smoothly for you and yours, and is looking full of promise :)

The gigs in Melbourne have been returning cautiously, and so far, all has been joyous and problem free!

My Monday residency at the Jazzlab has seen a return of Piano Club, Transients, and more, as well as new projects and collaborations. The revised start time of doors at 7pm and Music from 7:30 has proved extremely agreeable for most on a school night!

TONIGHT @ the Jazzlab - Wave Riders, a new band performing some new and some old music played by Scott McConnachie, Jack Richardson, Mick Meagher, David Quested and myself. Details below.

This Saturday I will be playing the full Journey Home soundtrack live at Tempo Rubato on their glorious Stuart & Sons piano. This concert will also feature the screening of the beautiful film by Hayley Miro Browne.
Saturday 6th February
Journey Home
Andrea Keller - piano (with film screening)
@ Tempo Rubato
Bar open from 7pm. Music from 8pm. Q&A following the concert
34 Breese Street | Brunswick VIC |
https://www.temporubato.com.au/tempo-concerts/ak1

On the 10th of February I will be performing the music from Vanessa Perica's award winning album Love is a Temporary Madness with the Vanessa Perica Orchestra and the MSO at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl.
I believe the concert is sold out, but I noticed their last concert was streamed so that many more could enjoy it. Here is the link to the concert, in case you'd like to check it out further.  
https://www.mso.com.au/whats-on/2021/2021-sidney-myer-free-concerts/

This Friday 5th February sees the return of Bandcamp Fridays - where artists receive 100% of the earnings on albums and merch sold in that 24hour period (5pm Fri - 5pm Sat for those of us on AEDT). Links can be found at the bottom of this email/newsletter.

Andrea Keller curates Mondays @ the Jazzlab
Doors 7pm. Music from 7:30
$25/20
The Jazzlab | 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick |
03 9388 1999 | www.jazzlab.club
 
Monday 1st February
Wave Riders
Scott McConnachie – saxophones | Jack Richardson - guitar | Andrea Keller – piano | Mick Meagher – electric bass | David Quested – drum set |
 
Monday 8th February
Transients
Andrea Keller – piano | Nick Haywood – double bass | Sam Bates – drum set |
 
Monday 15th February
Transients
Julien Wilson - saxophone| Andrea Keller – piano | Sam Anning – double bass |
 
Monday 22nd February
Five Below
Julien Wilson – saxophone & bass clarinet | Stephen Magnusson – guitar | Andrea Keller – piano | Sam Anning – double bass | Mick Meagher – electric bass | James McLean – drums |
 
Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 
CD's, digital albums, and other merch can be purchased online from my Bandcamp page.
My website contains information including events, discography & more.

January 2021 Newsletter

Gigs for a new year, & lessons from the old one...

Farewell 2020! Welcome 2021!!

My best wishes to all of you for the new year. May it be gentler and kinder to all of us and our wondrous planet.

Despite the challenges of 2020 and a general feeling of 'good riddance' to it, I am grateful for the year that was, for the space it allowed me, to learn lessons I'm not sure I could've learned (yet) without it.
The isolation of the year demanded a fine tuning of priorities and, as a result, a shift to being kinder to myself. Now that I've lived this lesson and experienced its reality, it won't be possible to go back.

I sincerely hope that, despite the cluster**** that was 2020, you and yours were able to revel in small glories and emerge victorious for simply having come out the other side.
Sending a compassionate heart to all those who experienced true suffering in 2020. May the new year be kinder to you and may healing begin slowly but surely.

Here is a small offering of a poem I read during my early morning hot cocoa solitude today.

The Morning Is Full

The morning is full of storm
in the heart of summer.

The clouds travel like white handkerchiefs of good-bye,
the wind, traveling, waving them in its hands.

The numberless heart of the wind
beating above our loving silence.

Orchestral and divine, resounding among the trees
like a language full of wars and songs.

Wind that bears off the dead leaves with a quick raid
and deflects the pulsing arrows of the birds.

Wind that topples her in a wave without spray
and substance without weight, and leaning fires.

Her mass of kisses breaks and sinks,
assailed in the door of the summer's wind.

Pablo Neruda

Extending love & thanks to my loving superhero husband, the 3 resilient and inspiring children/young adults I'm honoured to mother, my garden, my work, dear friends & family, and the privilege of my life.

My deepest gratitude to all who supported me and the broader artistic community by purchasing music, merch, and sending messages of support and solidarity. Your actions are truly appreciated and made an enormous difference!

January gigs in Melbourne (COVID restrictions permitting - we all know the deal by now...)

Sunday 3 – Niran Dasika Trio
Niran Dasika (trumpet & composition), Andrea Keller (piano) & Helen Svoboda (double bass)
The Jazzlab (presented by the MJC)
27 Leslie Street, Brunswick
$25/20 Bookings: jazzlab.club 9080 4398
Doors 7pm, Music from 7:30
 
Monday 4 – Andrea Keller curates: Transients (Wilson/Anning/Keller)
Julien Wilson (saxophone), Andrea Keller (piano) & Sam Anning (double bass)
The Jazzlab
27 Leslie Street, Brunswick
$25/20 Bookings: jazzlab.club 9080 4398
Doors 7pm, Music from 7:30
 
Friday 8 – Andrea Keller’s Transients (Wilson/Magnusson/Keller)
Julien Wilson (saxophone), Andrea Keller (piano) & Stephen Magnusson (guitar)
Uptown Jazz Cafe
Upstairs 177 Brunswick Street Fitzroy
Bookings email: [email protected]
Doors 7:30pm, Music from 8:30pm
 
Sunday 10 – Transients (Wilson/Anning/Keller)
Julien Wilson (saxophone), Andrea Keller (piano) & Sam Anning (double bass)
Peninsula Hot Springs
140 Springs Lane, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Bookings essential 5950 8777
Music 2-4pm

Monday 11 – Andrea Keller curates: Transients (Carbo/Carbo/Keller)

Flora Carbo (saxophone), Andrea Keller (piano) & Theo Carbo (guitar)

The Jazzlab

27 Leslie Street, Brunswick

$25/20 Bookings: jazzlab.club 9080 4398

Doors 7pm, Music from 7:30

Monday 18 – Andrea Keller curates: Piano Club
3x solo piano sets by Patrick Jaffe, Nat Bartsch & Andrea Keller followed by Q&A
The Jazzlab
27 Leslie Street, Brunswick
$25/20 Bookings: jazzlab.club 9080 4398
Doors 7pm, Music from 7:30
 
Monday 25 - Andrea Keller & PATSy
Flora Carbo (saxophone), Callum Mintzis (trombone), Steve Grant (accordion) & Andrea Keller (piano)
The Jazzlab
27 Leslie Street, Brunswick
$25/20 Bookings: jazzlab.club 9080 4398
Doors 7pm, Music from 7:30

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 
CD's, digital albums, and other merch can be purchased online from my Bandcamp page.
My website contains information including events, discography & more.

December 2020 Newsletter

Gigs, Gigs, Gigs! new albums, the final Bandcamp Friday, & more...

Greetings everyone!

Since I last wrote, I've had the great joy of playing live gigs again!!!
Back on Monday nights at the Jazzlab in Brunswick, they've created a beautiful outdoor setting, with the indoor area now open as well. I've been making music with dear friends again, in some of my favourite trios and starting up some new bands too, and sharing it with wonderfully warm and generous audiences! Thank you to all who have been venturing out to support live music and make musicians & venue owners/ managers feel appreciated and valued after such a long drought. Tickets are still restricted, so bookings are essential. Please see the Jazzlab website for bookings and further information.

Gigs coming up in December include:
Sunday December 6 - Luke Andresen Quintet (presented by the Melbourne Jazz Co operative) @ the Jazzlab. Doors 7pm. Music from 7:30. Wonderful young drummer/composer!
Monday December 7 - The Composers' Circle (Andrea Keller Curates series) @ the Jazzlab. Doors 7pm. Music from 7:30. This will be a long over due album launch/celebration for Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab Volume 1: The Composers' Circle. Featuring Angela Davis (alto), Carl Mackey (tenor), Callum Mintzis (trombone), Andrea Keller (piano), Robbie Finch (double bass), Sam Bates (drums)
Monday December 14 - Transients: Wilson/Anning/Keller (Andrea Keller Curates series) @ the Jazzlab. Doors 7pm. Music from 7:30. Presented as part of the Melbourne Women's International Jazz Festival. Against all odds, the wonderful Sonja Horbelt has been able to pull together a mini festival this year, with a wonderful program of artists. More details on the MWIJF can be found here. Featuring Julien Wilson (saxophone), Andrea Keller (piano), Sam Anning (double bass)
Friday December 18 - Andrea Keller & PATSy @ the Uptown Jazz Cafe (Fitzroy). Presenting my new band featuring Flora Carbo (saxophone), Callum Mintzis (trombone), Steve Grant (accordion), Andrea Keller (piano). This is a dream line up where I get to reimagine many of my old tunes and some new ones as well.
Monday December 21 - Wave Riders (Andrea Keller Curates series) @ the Jazzlab. Doors 7pm. Music from 7:30. Another new band I've been dreaming of (since pre-lockdown). Featuring Scott McConnachie (saxophone), Jack Richardson (guitar), Andrea Keller (piano), Mick Meagher (electric bass), David Quested (drums). Exploring doom, heavy riffs, improvisation & more...
Monday December 28 - PATSy (Andrea Keller Curates series) @ the Jazzlab. Doors 7pm. Music from 7:30.
Another opportunity to experience music with Flora Carbo (saxophone), Callum Mintzis (trombone), Steve Grant (accordion), Andrea Keller (piano).

I'm excited to appear on some brilliant albums that are now available. They include:
Sometimes Home Can Grow Stranger Than Space - The Australian Art Orchestra. I not only play on this album, but my extended composition Bent Heart features on this Composer Series release. Purchase through Bandcamp. 
Monash Sessions - Sandy Evans, Andrea Keller. Created by the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Monash University. I was so thrilled to work with the students at Monash University alongside my dear friend and mentor Sandy Evans performing our music. This album documents that memorable week! Purchase through Bandcamp. 
Monash Sessions - Collaborations. Created by the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Monash University. A compilation of the many projects that form the Monash Sessions, including Ralph Alessi, Judy Bailey, Sandy Evans, Andrea Keller, Ben Monder, Linda May Han Oh. Purchase through Bandcamp.
ATM15 Big Band: Composers Plus Vol 1 Live at the Jazzlab. A wonderful big band led by Andrea Murray that I had the pleasure of playing with, featuring great compositions by Michael Wallace, Mace Francis, Andrew Murray and Mat Jodrell. Purchase through Bandcamp. 
MIJF Presents: These Digital Times 2020 Compilation. A tune from the performance by Five Below for the MIJF back in June is included on this great compilation, featuring a taste of the ingenious festival that was These Digital Times. Purchase here.

Finally, this Friday December 4 sees another Bandcamp Friday (5pm to 5pm EST, or midnight - midnight PST). So if you have a Bandcamp shopping list and like the idea of giving 100% of sales to the artist, this 24-hour period is the time to shop :) There's still time to pick up holiday season gifts!
I will be adding my scores/charts to my Bandcamp merch page over the coming weeks, so please get in touch if there's anything specific you'd like to see there!
You will find my 2020 releases Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab: Volume 2 - Meditations for 2 to 3 Players, Journey Home, Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab: Volume 1 - The Composers' Circle, and Life is Brut[if]al - Five Below, along with much of my back catalogue here.
Don't forget the Five Below/Life is Brut[if]al T-shirts and Tank tops! (In navy blue, white and coal colours with wonderful designs created by Luke Fraser/Ahr+). Various sizes available, in both mens/unisex and ladies style t-shirts & tank tops. You can find these under the merch tab of my bandcamp merch.

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 
CD's, digital albums, and other merch can be purchased online from my Bandcamp page.
My website contains information including events, discography & more.

November 2020 Newsletter

Outdoor gigs, Girls Do Jazz, Music Victoria Awards nomination, new album releases, another Bandcamp Friday, & more...

Greetings everyone!

I hope this newsletter finds you all well. Our easing restrictions in Melbourne have meant I was able to get a haircut - woo hoo!!!, and live (outdoor) performances are now on the horizon :)

This month sees the release of my final album for 2020 (and this lockdown period) Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab - Volume 2 - Meditations for 2 to 3 players.
Featuring a selection of my favourites from the solo/duo/trio nights from pre-COVId days at the Jazzlab, recorded between August and December 2019. The album is officially out November 16, but is available for pre-orders now. (NB Due to the extended postal delays in Australia, I'm sending out orders as soon as I receive them).
The album features Julien Wilson (Tenor Saxophone and Clarinet), Stephen Magnusson(Guitar), Erkki Veltheim (Violin), Mick Meagher (Electric Bass), Flora Carbo (Alto Saxophone) Theo Carbo (Guitar) and myself (Piano) in a variety of combinations. 
The collection of 8 tracks (composed by me, Stephen Magnusson & Julien Wilson) have been selected to evoke calmness with their expansive and meditative feel. I really hope you enjoy it!

Speaking of the Jazzlab, Michael Tortoni & Jeremy Janke have concocted a cunning plan to create an outdoor venue in the courtyard of the club. The doors to the 'Ivy Sessions' will open from Monday November 9, and you will find me there performing on Monday nights with various small groups from 7:30pm. The club will be operating 7 nights a week. Tickets are restricted to 40 patrons in the outdoor area, to comply with current restrictions. Please see the Jazzlab website for bookings and further information.

The annual Girls Do Jazz (GDJ) workshop series that I direct is looking a little different this year (as most things are), and will be delivered via online synchronous zoom sessions, beginning Sunday 8th November and running for 6 consecutive weeks.
The online delivery mode has enabled the GJD workshops to go National in 2020 and has inspired Stories & Songs, a series of specially curated interviews with leading female musicians from the world of jazz & improvisation, including; Terri Lyne Carrington, Sandy Evans, Kris Davis, Tia Fuller, Miho Hazama, Linda May Han Oh, Michelle Nicolle, and more.
You can listen & subscribe to the Girls Do Jazz youtube channel, which contains 26 interviews with musicians from Australia, Europe & USA.
Please spread the work about the workshop series and Youtube channel. GDJ aims to give young women and gender non-conforming vocalists and instrumentalists experience in jazz and improvisation and provides an opportunity for young musicians to be part of a community that supports, encourages and nurtures their musical interests and well-being. 
For more information and bookings, please visit this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/girls-do-jazz-2020-tickets-124658064627

In other news, Life is Brut[if]al has been nominated for Best Jazz Album at the Music Victoria Awards, and albums from the Monash Sessions and the Australian Art Orchestra that feature my compositions and piano playing have recently been released!

Thanks to all who tuned in to ABC Jazz over the month of October to listen to my ABC Artist in Residence. My selections have now been added to a curated Apple Music playlist. You can listen back here.

This Friday November 6 sees another Bandcamp Friday (5pm to 5pm EST, or midnight - midnight PST). So if you have a Bandcamp shopping list and like the idea of giving 100% of sales to the artist, this 24-hour period is the time to shop :)
You will find my 2020 releases Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab: Volume 2 - Meditations for 2 to 3 Players, Journey Home, Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab: Volume 1 - The Composers' Circle, and Life is Brut[if]al - Five Below, along with much of my back catalogue here.
Don't forget the Five Below/Life is Brut[if]al T-shirts and Tank tops! (In navy blue, white and coal colours with wonderful designs created by Luke Fraser/Ahr+). Various sizes available, in both mens/unisex and ladies style t-shirts & tank tops. You can find these under the merch tab of my bandcamp merch.

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 
CD's, digital albums, and other merch can be purchased online from my Bandcamp page.
My website contains information including events, discography & more.

October 2020 Newsletter

Celebrating Journey Home, ABC Artist in Residence, another Bandcamp Friday, & more...

Greetings everyone!

Things are looking up here in Melbourne, I hope they are for you too :)

Thank you to all who shared in the celebration of my new project with collaborator Hayley Miro Browne - Journey Home - which was officially 'launched' last Friday via a YouTube premier. Hayley and I were thrilled with the turn out and the warm responses we received regarding the project, thank you!
The soundtrack has even received approval from the man who made the exquisite Australian pianos I recorded it on!!
“The soundscape of Stuart & Sons pianos cradles well Andrea Keller’s exploration of Minimalist music style in her epic, Journey Home.
 
Warmth, depth and harmonic congruency carry the inner labyrinth of Keller’s longing for solace and belonging.
 
Boundless parameters are demanded of a simple acoustic device to effectively communicate such yearning via Minimalist notation. A unique sound quality is everything in this deeply personal dance with fate and destiny. It’s 9 octave frequency range, extraordinary tonal clarity free from internal masking, a dynamic range and tonal spectrum with no equal.
 
Bravo Andrea, your revelation is carried forward on a thread of acoustic gossamer to the ears, hearts and minds of others.“ 
Wayne Stuart AM - Stuart & Sons company founder and designer.

Both the soundtrack (CD & digital) and film (limited edition DVD) can be purchased from Bandcamp.
We are working on digital availability of the film - more news on that down the track...

I'm excited to be ABC Artist in Residence this month! From 2pm every day beginning Monday October 5 on ABC Jazz, I'll be bringing you a whole range of music from my favourite artists, some of my influences, as well as a few of my own recordings too. I'd love you to join me!

Tomorrow Friday October 2 sees another Bandcamp Friday (5pm to 5pm EST, or midnight - midnight PST). So if you have a Bandcamp shopping list and like the idea of giving 100% of sales to the artist, this 24-hour period is the time to shop :)
You will find my 2020 releases Journey Home, Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab: Volume 1 - The Composers' Circle, and Life is Brut[if]al - Five Below, along with much of my back catalogue here.
Don't forget the Five Below/Life is Brut[if]al T-shirts and Tank tops! (In navy blue, white and coal colours with wonderful designs created by Luke Fraser/Ahr+). Various sizes available, in both mens/unisex and ladies style t-shirts & tank tops. You can find these under the merch tab of my bandcamp merch.

This month I'm working on my final album release for 2020 and this lockdown period - Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab - Volume 2 - Meditations for 2 to 3 players. Featuring a selection of my favourites from the solo/duo/trio nights from pre-COVId days at the Jazzlab. More on that release in next months newsletter...

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 
Andrea Keller curates Monday Nights live at the Jazzlab Volume 1 - The Composers' Circle, Life is Brut[if]al, Transients Volumes 1 & 2 along with most of my back catalogue (Thirteen Sketches, Little Claps, Galumphing 'Round the Nation, Three Lanes, Family Portraits, Wave Rider, Still Night, Five Below Live, & The Komeda Project), can be purchased online from my Bandcamp page. CD and digital versions available for most albums.

Please refer to my website for more information, including events, discography & more!!

September 2020 Newsletter

Journey Home release, Five Below T-shirts, Attaboi interview, & more...

Greetings everyone!

We are nearly through our Stage 4 lockdown here in Melbourne, and thankfully our numbers of community spread have diminished significantly, just in time for spring!

I'm really excited to announce that my new album Journey Home is officially out on Friday September 25. The album is the soundtrack to an exquisite film created by my wonderful collaborator Hayley Miro Browne, and has been years in the making.
The solo piano compositions and improvisations are the result of my extensive explorations into the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, and were recorded on 3 exquisite Australian made Stuart & Sons pianos. These instruments, combined with audio engineering efficacy of Jem Savage and mixing/mastering genius of Lachlan Carrick have produced a sound like none I've heard before!
The stunning film created by Hayley draws from a collection of some 3,000 photographic slides taken by my father in the 1970's & 80's, and discovered in storage almost two decades after his death. Needless to say, this is an intensely personal project that is very close to my heart.
Both the soundtrack (CD & digital) and film (limited edition DVD) can be pre-ordered now from Bandcamp.
In case you missed it in last months newsletter, here is a teaser!

Following the success of the Five Below Hoodies, I've invested in a series of T-shirts and Tank tops! There are navy blue or white 'Five Below' designs, as well as a bold 'Life is Brut[if]al' design (matching the album cover) on a coal t-shirt. Wonderful designs created by Luke Fraser/Ahr+. Various sizes available, in both mens/unisex and ladies styles. You can find these under the merch tab of my bandcamp page. (Even if you're not interested in buying a t-shirt, you should check out the awesome models :))

This Friday September 4 sees another Bandcamp Friday (5pm to 5pm EST, or midnight - midnight PST). So if you have a Bandcamp shopping list and like the idea of giving 100% of sales to the artist, this 24-hour period is the time to shop!
Along with the Journey Home pre-orders, and Five Below/Life is Brut[if]al T-shirts, you will find the newly released Andrea Keller Curates Monday Nights Live at the Jazzlab: Volume 1 - The Composers' Circle, Life is Brut[if]al - Five Below, and much of my back catalogue.

Lastly, I was asked to give my thoughts on issues regarding gender equality in the jazz scene. If you're interested in reading, you will find the interview by Attaboi here.

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 

August 2020 Newsletter

New albums, Words, Journey Home teaser, & more...

Warm greetings from my home to yours. I sincerely hope you are well, wherever you are in the world!

We are in lockdown 2.0 in Melbourne. Despite kids being back to remote learning, staying home, wearing a mask, and limiting socialising to virtual settings, our numbers are still way higher than any of us would like them to be. Although it's discouraging, I've heard from educated sources, that what we are doing is working! If we hadn't taken the measures we did, when we did, we'd be at unthinkable figures right now.
So, I remain prudent, focusing on continuing to create & share music, spending invaluable time with my husband and our kids, learning some new recipes, and smiling with my eyes.

My new album Andrea Keller curates Monday Nights live at the Jazzlab Volume 1 - The Composers' Circle is officially out on Monday (August 3). The album features a group I put together at the beginning of the Jazzlab days in July 2017 that, under pre-COVID circumstances, played the first Monday of every month at the Jazzlab. The recording features Angela Davis, Carl Mackey, James Macaulay, me, Sam Anning & James McLean, with an original composition contribution from each of us. You can pre-order/purchase digital or limited edition CD's fromBandcamp.

Life is Brut[if]al, the new album from Five Below, received an inclusion in The Best Jazz on Bandcamp: June 2020, with poetic and astute words written by Dave Sumner:
“The image of angels dancing on a pinhead is what comes to mind when describing certain albums by Andrea Keller. The pianist has a way of condensing epic passages into unassuming vignettes, as if there’s no expression so massive that it can’t be captured as a concise, perfect impression to be cupped in the palm of your hand. Her 2013 release Wave Rider is an excellent example of her talent for toying with the dimension and perspectives of sound, but her newest leaps to a higher plateau by widening both the scope of the imagery and the influences that shape it.”
Digital & physical copies of Life is Brut[if]al can be purchased here.

Bandcamp have committed to continuing Bandcamp Fridays (waiving their fees for a 24-hour period) once a month for the remainder of 2020!! If you have been wanting to show your support to an artist, or if you have an album wish list that needs fulfilling, Friday 7th August (5pm to 5pm EST, or midnight - midnight PST) is the best time to make your purchase!

My dear friend and collaborator Hayley Miro Browne and I are getting ready to release our Journey Home project in September (more information in next months newsletter). Hayley has put together a teaser, available for viewing here. 

In 2017 I was given the opportunity to write Love in Solitude for the wonderful Sydney-based new music ensemble, Ensemble Offspring. True champions of new music, supporting emerging and established composers/musicians, and celebrating cultural and gender diversity, I'm very honoured that they've included my work in their concert series, tours, and recordings over the years. On Saturday 15th August at 8pm, they will be performing a special digital concert under the title Mesmerism. You can find more info here.

Lastly, the Australian Art Orchestra are running their brilliant Creative Music Intensive(November 25 - December 4) on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Applications are due Sunday 2nd August. It's a life-changing experience by all reports, and I'm looking forward to taking part this year! More information here.

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 
Andrea Keller curates Monday Nights live at the Jazzlab Volume 1 - The Composers' Circle, Life is Brut[if]al, Transients Volumes 1 & 2 along with most of my back catalogue (Thirteen Sketches, Little Claps, Galumphing 'Round the Nation, Three Lanes, Family Portraits, Wave Rider, Still Night, Five Below Live, & The Komeda Project), can be purchased online from my Bandcamp page. CD and digital versions available for most albums.

July 2020 Newsletter

Life is Brut[if]al - out now! These Digital Times - MIJF, & limited seating at live performances...

Warm greetings!

It seems the roller coaster ride of life has reached a particularly treacherous part and has no intention of letting up for the foreseeable future! I sincerely hope you are going OK, all things considered...

Life is Brut[if]al, the new album from my band Five Below was released on June 26, and celebrated through a live streamed performance presented by the Melbourne International Jazz Festival through their initiative 'These Digital Times' last Saturday. You can view the 45minute set by Five Below with Scott McConnachie here (it's free!!)
The album has been getting a fantastic response from listeners (thank you to those who have already purchased a copy), and can be purchased here if you're interested.
If you're after a quick grab, here is another ISO video we put together. It's an excerpt from the much larger work 'Love in Solitude' featuring Julien Wilson with Five Below.

Continuing my commitment to releasing music regularly during this isolating and stressful time, July 24 will see the release of volume 1 in a series of albums called 'Andrea Keller curates Monday nights live at the Jazzlab'. From December 2018 - December 2019 I engaged numerous sound engineers to record a selection of gigs during my Monday night residency at the Jazzlab. So much great music ensued that I'd love to share with you through this series! 
Volume 1 features the Composers' Circle, a group I put together at the beginning of the Jazzlab days in July 2017 that, under normal circumstances, played the first Monday of every month at the Jazzlab. The recording features Angela Davis, Carl Mackey, James Macaulay, me, Sam Anning & James McLean, with an original composition contribution from each of us. 
The series of live at the Jazzlab albums will be prominently digital releases, but I am planning a very small run of discs for those who don't do digital. More details in next month's newsletter and at andreakeller.bandcamp.com 

The last 2 Monday nights I've been back playing live at the Jazzlab. Initially there was to be a limit of 50 in the audience, but due to spikes in cases in Victoria the capacity currently remains at 20. These have been really special evenings of coming together (in a socially distanced way and with plenty of sanitiser!), and they will continue (the Jazzlab postcode is not one of those forced back into lockdown) until further notice. 
Monday 6th July - Nick Haywood (double bass), Sam Bates (drums) & AK (piano)
Monday 13th July - Flora Carbo (alto), James Macaulay (trombone), Steve Grant (accordion) & AK (piano)
Monday 20th July - Angela Davis (alto), Theo Carbo (guitar) & AK (piano)
Monday 27 July - James Macaulay (trombone), Sam Anning (double bass) & AK (piano)
Doors open at 7:30. Music between 8 - 9:15pm. 
**Due to the limit of 20 tickets you are strongly advised to pre-book if you intend to attend.
Hope to see some of you there!

Lastly, the wonderful people at  Bandcamp are once again waiving their fees for a 24-hour period! This means that any music you purchase through Bandcamp during that 24-hour period will see the full amount of your purchase go directly to the artist!
the 24-hour period this month is: Friday 3rd July 5pm - Saturday 4th July 4:59pm EST, or Friday 3rd July 00:00 - 23:59 PST.
There is much brilliance to be found by so many on Bandcamp - please get behind it if you can :)

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea

Life is Brut[if]al ** new release from Five Below

Life is Brut[if]al, the second album from Andrea Keller’s Five Below, is a self -released seven track contemporary jazz oeuvre featuring special guests Scott McConnachie (soprano and alto saxophone), Julien Wilson (tenor, saxophone and bass clarinet) and Jim Keller (voice), alongside Five Below band members Stephen Magnusson (guitar), Sam Anning (double bass), Mick Meagher (electric bass), James McLean (drums) and Andrea Keller (piano).

Five Below (named after the big rhythm section that makes up the band - piano, guitar, two basses and drums) formed in 2017 as part of Andrea Keller’s Monday night residency at iconic Melbourne venue, the Jazzlab. In 2018 Keller released Five Below Live (recorded at the Jazzlab) which awarded the band the 2019 Australian Jazz Bell Award for Best Australian Jazz Ensemble.

Life is Brut[if]al was recorded in October 2019 at Oaklands Recording Studios, the album was recorded and edited by Lachlan Carrick and mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording, NYC. Album artwork and design by Luke Fraser/Ahr+.

Life is Brut[if]al will be released digitally on Friday 26 June and available on CD on Friday 3 July. To listen and pre-order Life is Brut[if]al visit andreakeller.bandcamp.com/album/life-is-brut-if-al

June 2020 Newsletter

Five Below new release!! Live performances slowly resuming, & opportunities that only isolation could bring...

Warm greetings to you all!

I sincerely hope that you and yours are remaining well and coping with the challenges of this unforgettable time.

As mentioned in my previous newsletter, I will be releasing quite a bit of music over the next few months (5 album releases to be precise!!!!!).
I'm very excited to announce that the official release date for Five Below's studio album Life is Brut[if]al is June 26! I have already received the complete CD's with brilliant artwork from Luke Fraser and am super excited with the way it has all come together! Today (June 1) was to be the official launch at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, but in the absence of the festival and current restrictions on live performances, here is a little ISO video we created to celebrate the release...

I'm also excited to announce that the Jazzlab are resuming live performances (with a limit to 50 in the audience) from June 22. So, my Monday curation will begin again!! My website events guidewill have the details as they become available. Gigs will start earlier and be shorter in duration to limit the time we all spend together indoors. Doors open at 7:30. Music between 8 - 9:15pm. It's a start and I can't wait!!

May brought a few out-of-the-ordinary opportunities my way. As a Yamaha artist, Yamaha approached me to write an article for their blog aimed at bringing musicians together and sharing information during our time in isolation. You can read my article Strategies for Practice & Solo Music Making here (as well as many other fascinating contributions).
Over the last few days in May I was privileged to perform with Lano & Woodley on their live Zoom shows. This was an absolute blast!!! Although the shows have finished, I highly recommend viewing their videos & songs on youtube, especially if you're in need of a laugh :)
Sandy Evans & I played a duo concert at the amazing Four Winds in Bermagui in October 2019. Some of the footage from this concert is now becoming available thanks to the ABC. Here is a clip of Sandy's beautiful tune Indigo Hues. (Although it's on Facebook, I'm told you don't have to have a Facebook account in order to view it, just ignore the prompts to 'sign in').

And lastly, the wonderful people at  Bandcamp are once again waiving their fees as a gesture of support to artists for a 24-hour period this Friday 5th June. (This begins 5pm EST Friday and ends at 4:59pm EST Saturday 6th June, or 23:59 PST Friday 5th June). By waiving their fees, Bandcamp give artists the full amount from your purchase - no deductions!! There is much brilliance to be found by so many on Bandcamp - get behind it :)

Wishing you peace and good health,
Andrea
 
Transients Volumes 1 & 2 along with most of my back catalogue (Thirteen Sketches, Little Claps, Galumphing 'Round the Nation, Three Lanes, Family Portraits, Wave Rider, Still Night, Five Below Live, & The Komeda Project), and Five Below hoodies can be purchased online from my website or Bandcamp. CD and digital versions available for most albums.