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“I know of no explanation other than genius for this slender fourteen-year-old girl's attainment of maturity in her art. She has mastery of the instrument, passion, profound swing, and judgment that one would expect in a player with twenty years of professional experience.”
……Doug Ramsey
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| Grace & Phil Woods at Pittsfield Jazz Festival |
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“I first met Grace Kelly at the 2006 summer jazz program at Stanford University. I was amazed at her precocity and talent. Recently she sat in with me and the Jazz Ambassadors Jazz Band at the Pittsfield Jazz Fest. and we jammed together through "I'll Remember April." How did she sound? I gave her my hat! That is how good she sounded! She is the first alto player to get one. Hooray for the future of jazz and the alto sax!"
………Phil Woods |
This is Miss Kelly’s 3rd CD, and it’s a very nice one. Of course you know Grace is 14 years on this planet, and is all ears and heart.
Beautiful sound on her alto, and some lovely phrases to boot!
Lester Young asked a young player after hearing a technical display, “but can you sing me a song?” Grace can definitely do that.
Good rhythm, nice arrangements, creative originals.
She sings like crazy!
What more could we ask for?
…..Lee Konitz |
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| Lee Konitz and Grace at Birdland |
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| Keith Lockhart And Grace backstage at Boston Symphony Hall |
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| "Grace Kelly is a unique and genuine talent. Great young performers are nothing new, but someone who possesses such ease of expression and musical personality at such an early stage of her career is a find, indeed. I can't wait to see what her future holds!"
...Keith Lockhart
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| Grace and Keith Lockhart performance with Boston Pops |
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| Grace and Cedar Walton |
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Dear Grace,
I'm convinced that your talent is definitely worthy of the attention of the Jazz community, and your future is genuinely going to earn a high level of achievement.
……Cedar Walton |
"The future of our music is in good hands."
…..Jimmy Heath. |
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| Grace and Jimmy Heath backstage at Tanglewood |
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| Grace and Randy Brecker at Detroit Jazz Festival |
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| Hi Grace,
Well after reading the glowing reviews from many of my peers on your CD jacket I expected something special, but words can only do so much justice toward introducing your talents and obvious dedication to music.
It simply has to be heard...you know how get to the essence of swing, sound, and true improvisation, and whether you are playing or singing or composing this essence
shines through and is the sign of a true artist at work. It also goes without saying, that you have a maturity far beyond your years. I look forward to following your career.
I really think you will have a big impact on the music world.”
best, ….. Randy Brecker |
I have been involved in jazz education for some forty years. The true talented and gifted young players single themselves out of the pack by their love, passion, desire, and uncanny savvy on their instrument and the music. I do not question how she became this way. Players who possess these attributes do not know how deeply they are involved because it is just what it is. Grace Kelly, is most definitely one of those special individuals who just, simply, understands! She conceptually understands the music on many levels. She respects the music and the players who have and are paving the way for her. She has the composure of a seasoned musician and a confidence that is rarely seen in a young player, particularly when surrounded by players three and four times her age. Time will tell how her life will unfold as she matures, but I do know that I, for one, will be anxiously waiting to see where this incredibly creative being will take us next. It was a real pleasure for me to participate on this recording. Stay tuned. I am confident that Grace Kelly will have much much more for us to enjoy!
- Rufus Reid
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| Grace and Rufus Reid at Birdland |
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.........."the jazz world has another great reason to celebrate with the arrival of Grace Kelly. Her talent makes her a triple threat as a brilliant saxophonist, a very gifted composer, and vocalist with great feeling. Her playing represents everything I love about jazz, swinging, imagination, and the blues. You must check out this Cd
.........Donald Brown
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