CHRIS KELSEY
Genres: Avant-Garde Jazz, Post Bop, Eclectic Fusion • United States

Called “a provocateur in the best sense of the term: a player (and writer) who thrives on pushing buttons,” by Derek Taylor of All About Jazz, and “at the forefront of the fiery reedists today,” by Gregory Applegate Edwards at Gapplegate Music Review, Chris Kelsey’s music embraces the qualities of individualism and innovation that have always defined the best jazz. His work defies easy description. Kelsey first made his reputation with a series of albums for the C.I.M.P. imprint in the ‘90s and ‘00s, as well as several for his own Saxofonis Music and Tzazz Krytyk labels. From the early ‘90s, he maintained an active presence on the Downtown NYC music scene, performing at many of the city’s most important venues, including frequent appearances at the Knitting Factory. He began a parallel career as a music journalist, contributing to such publications as Jazziz, JazzTimes, The All Music Guide to Jazz, and read more...