Kelly Roberti
is a world-acclaimed musician, composer and educator from Bozeman, Montana. His musical roots reach back over forty-five years to a childhood steeped in all genres by a family of music teachers and performers. Having played his first gig at the age of 11, his experiences have led to “street smart” technical skills on the bass and have translated into original compositions, performances, and workshop/clinics with the legendary musical giants of our times. Roberti’s style is a powerful blend of musical passion layered with an insightful grace and a spiritual edge.
U
tilizing innovative techniques which break down traditional barriers yet respect their values and influences, Roberti currently teaches improvisational thought to private students on every instrument as well as technical studies. His compositional style incorporates a wide array of influences and he is an inventive arranger of popular fare. His music reflects everything from Tin Pan Alley to ethnic world music with an awareness of the underlying harmonic and rhythmic structures affecting the listener on multiple levels. Kelly also writes lyrics for many of his compositions and he is a published poet.
“an original and soulful improviser with chops
almost unheard of until now..”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“…earthy and meticulous bassist whose lines underpin the ensemble with roots and flair… an heir apparent to the late Charles Mingus.”
LA Reader.
“True music is an indefinable communication. It is physics, philosophy, history, mathematics and to me a big dose of romance. Of course it is always about the illusive heart, and can only be what you’ve lived or dreamed, the pulse of our nature. I want to give to it what I have been given. I want to contribute to the tradition, the true human condition and to the next generation.”
A Critical and popular response indicates that Roberti is achieving this mission,
both for himself and for his audiences.
Kelly Roberti has a list of over 150 tours
with musical giants and legends in jazz, rock, and world music to his credit such as Arnett Cobb, Eddie Harris, Peter Gabriel, Freddie Hubbard, Tommy Flanagan, David Murray and many more. Kelly also sports an impressive array of teaching credentials at many major educational institutes. He has contributed to sixty-one recordings and is preparing another two now. Kelly has performed at nearly every major venue, both clubs and festivals, on five continents.
Colleagues
A few musicians Kelly has worked, toured, recorded or appeared with throughout the years.
David Murray Hank Crawford David “Fathead” Newman
Sonny Fortune Steve Lacy Jan Garbarek Steve Potts
Jim Pepper Paul McCandless Richie Cole Red Holloway
Carter Jefferson Kim Richmond Ken Peplowski Alan Fauque
Chuck Florence Shuichi Komiyama Jake Fleming
Nat Adderley Jack Walrath Rasul Sidik Clay Jenkins David Scott
Gordon Vernick Rebecca Coup Franks Ray Anderson Steve Turre
Craig Harris Bill Watrous Ralph Sappington M.J. Williams
Andrew Cyrille Ronnie Burrage Tani Tabal Claude Ranger
Pheeroan Aklaff John Betsch Jim Honaker Airto Keith Terry
Bobby Battle Brad Edwards Alex Platt Michael Blessing Mike Gillan
Steve Cardenas Spencer Barefield Ben White Craig Hall
Joshua Breakstone Sheryl Bailey
Kenny Werner D.D. Jackson Henry Butler Mal Waldron
Hilton Ruiz Dave Burrell Derek Smith Tee Carson
Claire Fischer David Benoit Ellyn Rucker Peggy Stern
Lafayette Gilchrist Bob Nell Ann Tappan Adam Platt
Bob Britten Eric Funk
Kellye Gray Giacomo Gates Kevin Mahogany Julie Kelly
M.J. Williams Dionne Warwick Carola Vossen Jeni Fleming
Theo Peoples Eden Atwood
Anthony Cox Bob Bowman
Acia Gray Joanne Barrett Kamaria Dailey Carson Murphy
Heather Barinaga
Huey Lewis Andy Taylor Taj Mahal Art Lande Pete Barbutti
Arnie Carruthers Rosalind Kind Buddy DeFranco Jim Hall
Kenny Burrell Martin Short Jack Jones Joe Walsh Frankie Lane
Kathy Heart Koko Taylor Jaco Pastorious Steve Clover Kostas
Harry Belafonte Dr. John Bernard Purdy Cornell Depree
Marie Osmond Jack Sheldon Conte Candoli Gene Harris
Merv Griffin Melba Moore Freda Payne Ronnie Bedford
Dick Meldonian John Klemmer Jesse Colin Young Merilee Rush
Nick Gravenites Cintia Love Philip Aaberg Fabio Patino
Kenneth Metzker Camilo Siera Earthquake Anderson Todd Vulow
Ptah Williams