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The Bess Bonnier Ensembles
Press Kit and CDs Available Upon Request
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-- Sad Note: Bess peacefully passed away in 2011. More details on the Home page --
Dear Jazz Presenter,
It gives us great pleasure
to make available to you the new Bess Bonnier jazz ensembles.
We're interested in becoming a part of your program planning
for the upcoming season. We're sure that the Bess Bonnier Ensemble
will add warmth and a touch of class to your special event.
Veteran Detroit pianist
Bess Bonnier has teamed up with
well-known string bassist Paul Keller
to explore creative avenues of jazz improvisation and presentation.
The options of the Bess Bonnier Ensemble include six different
combinations ranging from solo piano to quintet featuring vibraphone,
trumpet and/or saxophone. We are equally comfortable in a variety
of performance settings from festivals, concert hall stages and
educational clinics, as well as more intimate concert venues.
Bess Bonnier's career as recording artist
started in 1959 with her debut album Theme for the Tall One
(Argo). Since then, Bess's discography as a leader has grown
to nine albums featuring many of her original compositions. Two
of her albums, Duet to Quartet and Bess Bonnier and
Other Jazz Birds (Noteworks) were recorded live at the Detroit
Institute of Arts' prestigious jazz series. Together with Paul
Keller and vibist Jack Brokensha, Bess released the holiday classic
CD, XMazz (AEM), in 1994. Ms. Bonnier accepted the 1986
Arts Foundation of Michigan Award for music. She also received
the coveted Governor's Arts Award for the State of Michigan in
1990.
Paul Keller's recording credits include
Kaleidescopin' and Grand Hotel (Suncoast) with
Larry Nozero, Black Butterfly (Columbia) with Russel Malone,
Pipe and Slippers (Schoolkids') with the Keller/Kocher
Quartet and Hallelujah Train and Project X (Schoolkids')
with the Bird of Paradise Orchestra. In 1995, Paul recorded the
Grammy-nominated CD All for You (Impulse/GRP) with pianist/vocalist
Diana Krall.
No matter which combination, the Bess
Bonnier Ensemble will provide an exciting, well planned,
entertaining program ensuring that your event will be a memorable
success. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
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Bess Bonnier