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"One of the West Coast's best kept secrets" "Schell pulls in the listener with a minimalist approach that shines with interpretative sensibility rather than pure musicality" --Andrea Canter, JazzPolice.com
"Her piano playing is beautiful" --LA Jazz Scene, Jan. '06
"Schell's playful voice has an easiness to it, like a soft, Brazilian white-sand beach at sunrise" --OC Register |
New record 'For All We Know' (Roadhouse Records) now available..
Click here for a special preview (Please see the "Listen" page for some original compositions)
For another clip click here.
Listen to a clip from a recent performance with Tootie Heath |
"Subtle romanticism" combined with a "sensitive, swinging touch" are words that come to mind
when describing jazz artist Gaea Schell's style. Accomplished and
versatile, she - as drummer Albert 'Tootie' Heath says, "plays the heck
out of the piano with them small hands". |
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Known among her peers for swinging every note, subtle phrasing, and lyrical writing, this Los Angeles-based pianist/ composer is a native of Alberta, Canada
where she grew up playing music from an early
age. During pursuit of a classical harp degree in college, Gaea began
listening to piano greats Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Red
Garland among others. This inspired a move East and subsequent graduation from the jazz program at acclaimed McGill University.
The real learning, however, came from playing on the bandstand with
older reputable musicians who spent time playing with greats like Joe Henderson,
Wynton Kelly, Ella Fitzgerald. Gaea feels "it's so important to
listen and to understand the tradition of this music, and to experience it
-to feel swing".
A 1999 Canada Council for the Arts grant took Gaea to New York City
where she studied with internationally known pianist/composer Richie
Beirach.
Gaea recently made her California debut as a featured performer at the
San Jose Jazz Festival and has been performing professionally as a
pianist (and recently vocalist) for over ten years in many
diverse musical contexts. Her experience includes everything from trio to
big band to solo work to orchestral performance. Notable
artists she has played with as a sideperson include Nancy King, John Stowell, Albert
'Tootie' Heath, Clare Fischer Big Band, Tony Dumas, Bob Sheppard, Ingrid Jensen, Bobby Watson, Dan Faehnle
(guitarist with Diana Krall), Earl Palmer and Gilbert Castellanos (member
of the Clayton/Hamilton Orchestra).
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Steadfast swing and elegance of expression - trademarks of Gaea
Schell's music - guarantees her ability to engage her listeners. |
COOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
April 28, Typhoon, with the Clare Fischer Big Band
May 4, Spazio, Gaea Schell Trio
May 10, Maggiano's, with Jeff Littleton
May 16, Cafe 322, with Ryan McGillicuddy
May 18, Spazio brunch, with Ken Wild
www.spazio.la
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Gaea is available as a solo/duo/trio or larger group
for all occasions: festivals, venues, hotel work, private parties,
corporate events... For booking or other information, Gaea can be reached
at: (323) 828-4106 or gaea@gaeaschell.com or go to the contact page to send a
note.
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