Gaea Schell Trio

Known among her peers for swinging every note, subtle phrasing, and honest lyrical writing, this West Coast-based pianist/composer/vocalist is a native of western Canada where she grew up playing music from an early age. Recorder lessons at age 6 with family friend, the late San Francisco based drummer Eddie Marshall, was one of her first musical ventures. Pursuit of a classical harp degree led to checking out Oscar Peterson, Wynton Kelly and Bill Evans records in the college library, inspiring a move East and subsequent graduation with Honors from the jazz program at acclaimed McGill University in Montreal.
The real learning, however, came from playing on the bandstand with respected elders who spent time themselves playing with greats such as Joe Henderson, Wynton Kelly, Ella Fitzgerald. Gaea feels "it's so important to listen, experience, and understand the tradition of this music".

A 1999 Canada Council for the Arts grant took Gaea to New York City where she studied with internationally known pianist/composer Richie Beirach.

Gaea recently made her California debut as a twice featured performer at the San Jose Jazz Festival and has been performing professionally and internationally as a pianist and recently vocalist for many years in diverse contexts. Her experience includes everything from trio to quartet to orchestral performance. Notable artists she has played with as a sideperson include Nancy King, John Stowell, Albert 'Tootie' Heath, Clare Fischer Big Band, Tony Dumas, PJ Perry, Marcus Shelby, Bobby Watson, Bob Sheppard, Dan Faehnle (guitarist with Diana Krall), Vince Lateano, John Wiitala, Noel Jewkes, Earl Palmer and Gilbert Castellanos (member of the Clayton/Hamilton Orchestra).

Venues include hundreds of private and corporate events, Yoshi's SF, Vibrato in Bel Air, Knickerbocker in NYC, tours of Italy, and more.

Steadfast swing and elegance of expression - trademarks of Gaea Schell's music - guarantee her ability to engage her listeners.

The Gaea Schell Trio is led by pianist Gaea Schell (available as pianist or pianist/vocalist both). She is frequently named "a hard-swinging, inventive pianist" -in addition, "Schell's playful voice has an easiness to it, like a soft, Brazilian white-sand beach at sunrise."

This very versatile, experienced and professional trio is available for all corporate events, parties, hotels, clubs, and overseas. For a smaller group (or smaller occasion), Gaea is available solo or as a duo with upright bass.

Perfect as background music, or as a main attraction.

See gaeaschell dot com

If you like Diana Krall, Norah Jones, or.. the Bill Evans trio, this is the perfect choice.