Kelly Rossum - "Kelly Rossum - Renovation" from Voodoo Child, Winter 2004-2005

Kelly Rossum appears on a mission to expand the culture of jazz, re-introduce audiences to existing categorized jazz styles while at the same time re-inventing the genre with an open ear and open mind to what could be. The 33-year-old, Minneapolis-based trumpet player has just released his second album Renovation, tapping into that metro area’s urban jazz underground for the talent accompanying him on this project. Courtney Lewis best sums up his style in a review in the Minnesota Monthly, saying Rossum has, “the studious authority and the knowledge necessary to pull off unconventional compositions and instrumental choices.” Renovation is a dialogue developed from the musical influences his generation grew up with. His jazz world is inspired from the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Miles Davis. But, he also admits at 33, “most of us grew up listening to rock bands.” Rossum has always been surrounded by music (his father a clarinetist in the U.S. Army band and mother an accomplished amateur pianist). Following influences the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Severinson and Miles Davis, he played cornet and trumpet in high school, going on to study classical trumpet in college. “Since the trumpet is such a difficult instrument to master, classical training will give you the technical ability to play anything you want. Once you thoroughly understand the instrument, stylistic choices become just that, choices. Not limitations,” Rossum says. “The process of renovation is about making the old and well-established work with the new,” indicates Rossum, who feels there are three primary elements – the combination of material, players and moments – in creating the elusive magic in the music. On this record, Rossum comments, “I wanted to challenge some of the conventions in jazz. The styles and forms are slightly different than one would expect from a traditional jazz album. We added electric Rhodes piano and electric bass for some tunes and the resulting sound combinations are fantastic.” Rossum succeeds in his challenge, as the set is full of eclectism wavering between mainstream and experimental jazz. It even appears to challenge the players. At times, there’s unity, while at other times there are sections that they appear to struggle to stay in step. But, that actually may be part of Rossum’s plan. The album is all original material except for Ornette Coleman’s “Bugpowder” and Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” “’Little Wing’ is a beautiful piece of music. That's why I chose to record it,” Rossum tells us. “Simple, elegant, heartfelt, yet with solid musical construction and theoretical fluidity: a perfect vehicle for improvisation. Also, the framework of the tune promotes creative interpretation of the harmonic structure.” (check out the piano intro). The CD and it’s musicians have been nominated for four Minnesota Music Awards and was chosen among the “Best Local CD’s of 2004” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Currently, Rossum passes on his experiences to younger students through teaching, on the faculty at MacPhail Center for Music, the nation's second largest community music school, where he teaches trumpet and jazz. Faculty members have just released an album Plans For The Future. Rossum also plays electrumpet as a member of Electropolis. Both the Kelly Rossum Quintet and Electropolis play occasionally in the Minneapolis area. (2004) (www.krossum.com)



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