John Kelly
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GUITAR
John Kelly is a London based jazz guitarist, working across various styles from early jazz & ragtime to Hot Club style swing to contemporary jazz. Coming from a musical family, he started musical life as a multi-instrumentalist, being educated as a brass player (trombone, euphonium) and self-taught on the guitar and drums.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings. Born into a musical family, Kelly’s passion for music was evident from an early age. He began his musical journey as a multi-instrumentalist, initially focusing on brass instruments such as the trombone and euphonium. His self-directed exploration led him to jazz, where he found his true calling. By the age of 13, Kelly had already embarked on professional engagements, performing as a soloist in prominent UK concert halls, including The Royal Festival Hall and the Liverpool Philharmonic.
Education and Early Career Kelly’s formal education in music culminated at Leeds Conservatoire in 2005, where he specialised in jazz guitar. Post-graduation, he performed regularly across Europe and beyond, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Tcha Limberger. His versatility allowed him to traverse various musical styles, from early jazz and ragtime to contemporary jazz. In London, he became a familiar face at notable venues like Ronnie Scott’s and The Jazz Cafe, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant jazz scene.
Musical Innovations and Collaborations Kelly’s musical repertoire extends beyond jazz. His profound interest in African and Latin-American music led him to collaborate with Congolese musicians, culminating in the co-founding of the Anglo-Congolese group Kongo Dia Ntotila in 2010. The group has released three albums, blending traditional Congolese rhythms with contemporary sounds, and their music has resonated across continents, from BBC radio shows to African bus stations.
Transition to Jazz and Formal Education Kelly’s self-directed exploration led him to the world of jazz, where he found his true calling. He pursued formal studies in jazz guitar at Leeds Conservatoire, graduating in 2005. This academic experience refined his technical skills and deepened his understanding of jazz theory and improvisation.
Professional Career and Collaborations Post-graduation, Kelly established himself as a sought-after guitarist, performing across Europe and beyond. He collaborated with esteemed artists, including Tcha Limberger, and became a familiar presence at notable London venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and The Jazz Cafe. His adaptability allowed him to traverse various musical styles, enriching the UK’s vibrant jazz scene.
Exploration of African and Latin-American Music Kelly’s musical curiosity extended to African and Latin-American genres. His collaborations with Congolese musicians led to the co-founding of the Anglo-Congolese group Kongo Dia Ntotila in 2010. The group released three albums, blending traditional Congolese rhythms with contemporary sounds, and their music resonated across continents, from BBC radio shows to African bus stations.
Recent Projects and Performances In recent years he has continued to engage in diverse musical projects. He has been associated with The Already In Berlin Band, a group known for its hard-swinging, string-led early jazz. This ensemble captures the spirit of classic jazz pioneers, performing compositions from legends like Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Django Reinhardt.
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST JOHN KELLY
CALENDAR
July 2025
