Photographs by Lars Björn
Keller, right, with George Benson (sax)
and Phil Kelly (piano)
Paul Keller's Tall Corn at Kerrytown
Concert House
BY LARS BJÖRN
The
Paul Keller Sextet celebrated the release of their CD Tall
Corn (BOPO Records) with
a concert at the Kerrytown
Concert House in Ann Arbor on Friday, November 5. It was a
very happy occasion and I was glad to be able to attend the second show.
Paul
Keller is a real dynamo on the local music scene and his gregarious
spirit colored the evening. He took plenty of time to praise and showcase
his fellow musicians. Once the music started, his bass drove the band
in a way I imagine Jimmy Blanton drove the Ellington organization. As
most Update readers probably know, Keller also directs, and drives,
the big band at the Bird of Paradise every Monday night. He treated
us to several excellent bass solos and those on Gigi Gryce's "Social
Call" and "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" were outstanding. Keller
dedicated "Social Call" to fellow bassist Ted Harley, who had just passed
away.
The sextet played in the bop tradition and
the roaring front-line backed by Pete Siers' powerful drumming reminded
me of some of the aggregations that Art Blakey led. This was particularly
true on some of the originals penned by Keller like "Tall Corn" and
"Blues Now."
The evening was filled with excellent solos
by everyone. George Benson's treatment on tenor of "Body and Soul" was
memorable, particularly the beautiful coda. Benson shifted to the alto
and delivered a soulful statement on the closer "Things Ain't." Chris
Smith's trombone really tore things up on "Blues Now," and his arrangement
of J.J. Johnson's "Enigma" provided the perfect frame for Paul Finkbeiner's
trumpet. Finkbeiner sparkled on the theme-song from TV's "Bewitched."
I remember enjoying Phil Kelly with the Keller-Kocher group and this
return to Ann Arbor for a rare engagement, reminded me what a sophisticated,
delicate and swinging pianist he is. His solo on "Enigma" had the kind
of supple touch that someone like Hank Jones has. In all, a very upbeat
evening of music!
George Benson (sax), Paul Finkbeiner
(trumpet),
Chris Smith (trombone)
