Brian Kellock

Brian Kellock
Kellock in 2019, by Colin Black
Background information
Born(1962-12-28)28 December 1962
Died27 May 2025(2025-05-27) (aged 62)
GenresJazz
InstrumentPiano

Brian Kellock (28 December 1962 – 27 May 2025) was a Scottish jazz pianist.

Life and career

Born in Edinburgh on 28 December 1962,[1] Kellock graduated with a B Music (Hons) from the University of Edinburgh in 1986. He then established his position as one of the top piano players in the UK jazz scene, working with Herb Geller, Sheila Jordan, and Art Farmer.[2]

From 1995, Kellock was a member of Australian trumpeter James Morrison's Band.[3]

His main project was his own Trio, which first appeared as the rhythm section for seminal Scottish band, the John Rae Collective,[3] since 1988. This line-up, featuring Kenny Ellis on bass and John Rae on drums, was performing together ever since. In 1998, the band released their first recording together – Something's Got To Give – a set of standards popularised by Fred Astaire.[2]

Some of Kellock's popular songs played include: "You Must Believe in Spring", "Rhapsody in Blue", "The Way You Look Tonight", "Tokyo Express", "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow", "Lennies Pennies", "In the Bleak Midwinter", and "Young and Foolish".[4]

Kellock died on 27 May 2025, at the age of 63.[5]

Selected discography

As leader/co-leader

Year recorded Title Label Notes
1999 Hollywood Portraits HEP Jazz Duo, co-led with Herb Geller (alto sax, soprano sax)[6]
1998 Something's Got to Give Caber Trio, with Kenny Ellis (bass), John Rae (drums)[7]
1999 Hollywood Portraits HEP Jazz Duo, co-led with Herb Geller (alto sax, soprano sax)[8]
1999 The Crossing Caber Duo, co-led with Tam White (vocals)[9]
2000 Live at Henry's Caber Trio; with Kenny Ellis (bass), John Rae (drums); in concert[7]
2002 Bezique Spartacus Duo, co-led with Tommy Smith (tenor sax); in concert[7]
2004 Symbiosis Spartacus Duo, co-led with Tommy Smith (tenor sax)[7]
2008 The Nine Mile Burn Sessions Thick Skinned Solo, and duo with Julian Arguelles (sax)[10]
2009 Live at the Lampie Splash Point Duo, co-led with Liane Carroll (vocals); in concert
2019 Bidin’ My Time Self released Solo[11]
2009[12][13] (released 2020) Think About It! Thick Records NZ As BK3, trio, with Kenny Ellis (bass), John Rae (drums)

As sideman

  • John RaeWhere The Wild Clematis Grow
    • John Rae: Drums
    • Brian Kellock: Piano
    • Patrick Bleakley: Bass
    • Recorded 2020 – Thick Records NZ
  • John Rae's Celtic Feet
  • Sylvia Rae – Close Enough
    • Sylvia Rae: Vocals
    • Brian Kellock: Piano
    • Warren Vaché: Trumpet
    • Kenny Ellis: Bass
    • Ronnie Rae: Bass (Tk3)
    • John Rae: Drums
    • Recorded 2002 – VocalbA vocl 001 (from caber music)
  • Hue & Cryjazznotjazz
  • Spike RobinsonStairway To The Stars
    • Spike Robinson – Tenor Saxophone
    • Brian Kellock – Piano
    • Ronnie Rae – String Bass
    • John Rae – Drums
    • Recorded at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh 1990 – HEP Jazz – HEP CD 2049
  • Janusz Carmello – Portrait
    • Janusz Carmello: Trumpet & Pocket Trumpet
    • Brian Kellock: Piano
    • John Hartley: String Bass
    • Tony McLennan: Drums
    • Jimmy Wood: Alto Sax
    • Phil Bancroft: Tenor Sax
    • Gordon Cruickshank: Bar Sax
    • Keith Hutton: Trombone
    • Recorded 1989 HEP Records – HEP CD 2044
  • Nigel Clark Quintet – Worldwide Sound
    • Nigel Clark: Guitars
    • Tim Garland: Saxophones
    • Brian Kellock: Piano/Keyboards
    • Ewen Vernel: Bass
    • Mike Bradley: Drums
    • Recorded 1996 Sienna Records SNA 1001
  • Tam White/Boz BurrellGroove Connection
    • Tam White: Voice
    • Boz Burrell: Basses
    • Brian Kellock: Piano/Keyboards
    • Neil Warden: Guitar
    • John Henderson: Drums
    • Russel Cowieson: Tenor Sax
    • Tom McNiven: Trumpet
    • Alec Phillips: Trombone
    • Recorded 2000 Catalyst Records CD2002.

References

  1. ^ "Brian Kellock: 28 December 1962 – 27 May 2025". Jazzwise. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b Nathan, Dave (1 July 2001). "Brian Kellock Trio: Something's Got to Give – Portraits of Fred Astaire". All About Jazz. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  3. ^ a b Mathieson, Kenny. "Pianist Brian Kellock". All About Jazz. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  4. ^ "Brian Kellock – Songs, Playlists, Videos and Tours". BBC Music. Archived from the original on 16 September 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  5. ^ Lee Dalgetty: Touching tributes for 'legendary' Edinburgh musician hailed as 'colossal talent'. uk.news.yahoo.com, 28 May 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
  6. ^ Yanow, Scott. "Herb Geller: Hollywood Portraits". AllMusic.
  7. ^ a b c d Cook, Richard; Morton, Brian (2008). The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings (9th ed.). Penguin. pp. 812, 1318. ISBN 978-0-141-03401-0.
  8. ^ Yanow, Scott. "Herb Geller: Hollywood Portraits". AllMusic.
  9. ^ Nathan, Dave. "Brian Kellock: The Crossing". AllMusic.
  10. ^ Fordham, John (23 October 2008). "CD: Brian Kellock/ Julian Arguelles, The Nine Mile Burn Sessions". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  11. ^ londonjazz (17 August 2019). "Brian Kellock – Bidin' My Time". News, reviews, features and comment from the London jazz scene and beyond. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  12. ^ "BK3 [2009 video of recording session]". Retrieved 20 July 2023 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ byased (16 February 2011). "The Kellock – Spence dilemma". Byas'd Opinion. Retrieved 20 July 2023.