Jazz Articles

G.F. Mlely: ReEntry

by John Kelman
February 17, 2004

When pianist G.F. Mlely returned to the music scene in 2000, one might easily have wondered if, after a hiatus of nearly twenty years, he still had it. After all, he had quite a successful touring and recording career and a recording, Trio , that was among the top ten jazz albums being played on US radio when personal circumstances caused him to bow out. How would he sound twenty years later? Asserting in no small way that he was ...

G.F. Mlely Trio: A Little Night Waltz

by Michael P. Gladstone
January 25, 2004

It's difficult enough keeping up with the many new jazz piano trio offerings. So, when you come across G.F. Mlely, who has a recording history going back to 1979, it's a bit puzzling that someone so prolific has been so unknown. As a jazz composer and pianist, avant-garde choral composer, author of essays on jazz writing and both student and instructor of jazz composition and theory, this resident of Honolulu, Hawaii has a busy agenda.

The bulk of ...

G.F. Mlely Trio: A Little Night Waltz

by John Kelman
January 22, 2004

Pianist G.F. Mlely was starting to make quite a name for himself in the 1980s, with a successful touring career and a recording, Trio, that was among the top ten jazz albums being played on US radio, when a series of personal circumstances caused him to drop out for nearly two decades. Returning to the scene with two solo piano outings, 2000’s Re-Entry and 2002’s 88 Keys and Counting , with the release of his first new trio recording in ...

G. F. Mlely: 88 Keys and Counting

by Jerry D'Souza
November 10, 2002

In playing solo, the art of music is defined by expertise. Outstanding technique may indulge the player, but there has to be enough creativity to carry the listener. In order to succeed, the focus should not be divided and the pulse has to be constantly fed from the center. It is to pianist G.F. Mlely’s credit that he keeps the structure of these pieces pliable for his ministrations, and in doing so displays an inspired confidence.

Mlely creates ...