Brian Kellock
Scottish jazz pianist (1962–2025)
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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 Rae – Where The Wild Clematis Grow
- John Rae: Drums
- Brian Kellock: Piano
- Patrick Bleakley: Bass
- Recorded 2020 – Thick Records NZ
- John Rae's Celtic Feet
- John Rae: Drums
- Eilidh Shaw: Fiddle
- Simon Thoumire: Concertina
- Phil Bancroft: Sax
- Brian Kellock: Piano
- Mario Caribé: Bass
- Recorded 1999 – Caber 010
- 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 & Cry – jazznotjazz
- Michael Brecker: Tenor Sax
- Mike Stern: Guitar
- Randy Brecker: Trumpet
- Tommy Smith: Tenor Sax
- Danny Gottlieb: Drums
- Brian Kellock: Piano
- Recorded 1996 – Linn Records AKD 057
- Spike Robinson – Stairway 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 Burrell – Groove 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.