Known among her peers for swinging every note, subtle phrasing, and lyrical writing, this Los Angeles-based pianist/composer/vocalist is a native of western Canada
where she grew up playing music from an early
age. When pursuit of a classical harp degree led to
listening to Oscar Peterson, Wynton Kelly and Bill
Evans records in the school library, this inspired a move east and subsequent graduation from the jazz program at acclaimed McGill University in Montreal.
The real learning, however, came from playing on the bandstand with
respected elders who spent considerable 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 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 twice featured performer at the
San Jose Jazz Festival and has been performing professionally and internationally as a
pianist and recently vocalist for many years in
diverse contexts. Her experience includes everything from trio to
quartet 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, P.J. Perry, Ingrid Jensen, Bobby Watson, Karin Carson, Bob Sheppard, 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 - guarantee her ability to engage her listeners. |
COOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Hip Kitty, December 30, Gaea Schell trio
The Lighthouse, December 31, Gaea Schell trio
upcoming dates in Portland, Chicago, San Jose
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Gaea is available as a duo with upright bass, trio or quartet, or sideperson
for all occasions: overseas, festivals, clubs, hotels, private events... also available as a producer, arranger and instructor. Gaea only performs for reasonable compensation, and does not support any venues or individual who does not treat the artist well. For booking or other info, Gaea can be reached
at: (323) 828-4106 or management@gaeaschell.com or go to the contact page to send a
note. Gaea can also be booked through management:
Paul Collins Artist Management International:
2105 N.W. 64th Terr
Kansas City, Missouri
64152
816.377.1950,
816.353.0963 fax
paulcollins@paulcollinsartistmanagement.com
