Keith Kelly is a Phoenix-based woodwind specialist who works primarily in improvisation-based musics. Much of his original work lives somewhere between the spheres of jazz, ambient, and indie-rock. As a leader, he directs the Composers/Improvisers Big Band, the jazz-rock-improvisation unit Ask Not, and is regularly seen at The Lost Leaf, Phoenix’s hub of creative music.

His close cadre of musical companions include: vibraphonists/percussionists Brett Reed and Nathan Hubbard; woodwind players Eric Rasmussen, Adam Roberts, and Josh Bennett; percussionist Ryan Anthony; bassist Ben Hedquist; synth-maniac Tony Obr; guitarist Mike Sawitzke; and pianist Ashley Oakley. Equally at home in the realm of popular music, he has recorded with EELS, Dispatch, Califone, Michael Krassner, and others.

Dr. Kelly holds degrees from the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific and Arizona State University. Since 2012, he has served as the Coordinator of Music Humanities and Performance at Paradise Valley Community Colleg

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