Wynton Kelly from the album “Kelly Blue” with sheet music
Wynton Charles Kelly (Dec. 2, 1931–April 12, 1971) was an American jazz pianist and composer. He is known for his lively, blues-based playing and as one of the finest accompanists in jazz.
He began playing professionally at the age of 12 and was pianist on a No. 1 R&B hit at the age of 16. His recording debut as a leader occurred three years later, around the time he started to become better known as an accompanist to singer Dinah Washington, and as a member of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie‘s band. This progress was interrupted by two years in the United States Army, after which Kelly returned to Washington and Gillespie, and played with other leaders.
Over the next few years, these included instrumentalists Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Wes Montgomery, and Sonny Rollins, and vocalists Betty Carter, Billie Holiday, and Abbey Lincoln. Many sheet music Jazz transcriptions can be found in our Library.
Kelly attracted the most attention as part of Miles Davis‘ band from 1959, including an appearance on the trumpeter’s Kind of Blue, often mentioned as the best-selling jazz album ever. After leaving Davis in 1963, Kelly played with his own trio, which recorded for several labels and toured the United States and internationally. His career did not develop much further, and he had difficulty finding enough work late in his career. Kelly, who was known to have epilepsy, died in a hotel room in Canada following a seizure, aged 39.
Kelly Blue is an album by American jazz pianist Wynton Kelly, released in 1959.
Coming off of his success as a sideman with Miles Davis‘ sextet, Riverside Records gave Kelly an opportunity to expand on his solo career. Kelly Blue was his second LP for the label.
The songs feature Kelly and bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Together they had formed the rhythm section for the Miles Davis bands. Guests include Nat Adderley, Bobby Jaspar and Benny Golson.
Producer and jazz critic Orrin Keepnews described the album as “a repertoire ideally suited to the blues concept on which the album is based”.
Originally released by Riverside, the album has been reissued on CD several times since 1989 by Riverside and OJC. One is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. The one from 1989 is a straight mono remaster. 2009 saw a mono vinyl re-issue.
Track listing
- “Kelly Blue” (Wynton Kelly) – 10:41
- “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise” (Oscar Hammerstein – Sigmund Romberg) – 6:24
- “Green Dolphin Street” (Bronislau Kaper – Ned Washington) – 4:39
- “Willow Weep for Me” (Ann Ronell) – 6:05
- “Keep It Moving” (Kelly) – 7:31
- “Old Clothes” (Kelly) – 7:37
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