Rick Keller

Rick Keller – Saxophonist, Composer, Producer

Rick Keller is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator whose musical career spans multiple decades and continents. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Keller is a versatile and sought-after instrumentalist, best known for his expertise on woodwinds, his deep understanding of jazz, and his cinematic approach to composition. A master of the saxophone, flute, clarinet, and other woodwinds, Keller has contributed to countless studio recordings, performances, and tours with a diverse array of artists, while also carving out a distinct voice as a solo composer and bandleader.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Keller developed a passion for music at a young age. His musical journey began with classical training, but his real breakthrough came during his time at the University of Miami (1979–1983), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Saxophone Performance. Under the tutelage of renowned jazz educators, Keller honed his skills as both a performer and composer, laying the foundation for a career that would span multiple genres and lead him across the globe.

International Experience (1983-2001)

In 1983, Keller moved to Munich, Germany, marking the start of an 18-year period of living and working abroad. During his time in Europe, Keller immersed himself in a vibrant international music scene, performing and recording with top artists across genres. His performances in jazz clubs, pop tours, and major international festivals helped him develop a unique, global musical perspective.

Keller’s European journey included notable performances with such legendary musicians as Chaka Khan, Bill Bruford, Billy Cobham, Joe Sample, Zakir Hussain, Charlie Mariano, and Trilok Gurtu. His work with prestigious big bands like the Al Porcino Big Band and Dusko Goykovic Big Band further solidified his reputation as a versatile and highly skilled sideman. Keller also had the opportunity to perform at iconic venues such as Ronnie Scott's (London), Blue Note (Tokyo), and Expo 98 (Lisbon), as well as major jazz festivals like the North Sea, Bratislava, Burghausen, and Leverkusen festivals.

During his time in Munich, Keller recorded two solo releases: One Take, recorded live at Unterfahrt Jazz Club, and The Instigator, a studio project featuring a documentary film about the recording process. These albums laid the groundwork for his future as a recording artist and composer.

Back in the USA Los Angeles and Las Vegas  (2001-Present)

In 2001, Keller moved to Los Angeles, where he would go on to build a diverse career as both a performer and a composer. He also began to expand his musical portfolio into commercial music, creating a production catalog under his own company, Moodbeat Music. During this time, Keller became an integral part of the Los Angeles music scene, performing and recording with renowned artists such as Christopher Cross, Bill Holman, Johnny Mandel, and Vinnie Colaiuta. His musical versatility also led him to become a sought-after horn arranger and live performer with the likes of Danny Seraphine's CTA, Groove Junkies, and the Frankie Valli tours.

Keller’s work as a sideman during this period and in the present  included performances at major venues such as Capitol Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall, with artists including Barry Manilow, Natalie Cole, Jon Secada, The Temptations and the Four Tops and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also contributed to Grammy Awards broadcasts and Latin Grammy performances, showcasing his diverse range as a live performer and session musician.

In 2016, Keller relocated to Las Vegas, where he continues to perform, record, and teach. In addition to his active performance career, Keller began teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2019, where he serves as an adjunct professor in Jazz Composition, Jazz Saxophone, Improvisation, and Music Technology. Keller is deeply committed to passing on his wealth of knowledge to the next generation of musicians, while continuing to nurture his own artistic growth.

Keller's role at UNLV also reflects his ongoing commitment to music education, as he has developed a comprehensive curriculum that combines his experience as a performer with his extensive knowledge of music technology and production. His students benefit from his real-world expertise, gained from performing with major artists, recording in top studios, and contributing to world-class musical productions.

Notable Projects and Collaborations

In addition to his teaching and session work, Keller continues to pursue his own artistic vision. His recent solo works include a series of albums such as Dolphin Dance (2020), For Pat (2021), My Ideal (2021), Outer Limits (2021), and Heroes (expected 2025), which feature Keller’s compositions inspired by a range of jazz and fusion icons. The Heroes project, in particular, is a collection of original jazz compositions paying tribute to artists such as Pat Metheny, Weather Report, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock, reflecting Keller’s deep appreciation for the musicians who have shaped his own musical journey.

In addition to his solo projects, Keller has also contributed to a wide variety of recordings as a sideman, including work with Lady Gaga, Gloria Trevi, Billy Vera, and Christina Aguilera, among others. His credits span a wide range of musical genres, including pop, jazz, Latin, fusion, and film soundtracks.

Performance Highlights

Throughout his career, Keller has had the privilege of performing in some of the world’s most iconic venues, such as:

• Royal Albert Hall (London)
• Radio City Music Hall (New York)
• Expo 98 (Lisbon)
• Blue Note (Tokyo)
• Capitol Studios (Los Angeles)

His performance credits include working with some of the most notable names in music, including:

• Lady Gaga
• Frankie Valli
• Christopher Cross
• Barry Manilow
• Jon Secada
• Natalie Cole
• Bill Bruford
• Trilok Gurtu
• Zakir Hussain
• Joe Sample
• Chaka Khan

Artistic Vision and Philosophy

Keller’s artistry is marked by an insatiable curiosity and a deep respect for music from all corners of the world. His compositions reflect a synthesis of the many musical influences he has encountered over the years, blending jazz, fusion, world music, and cinematic soundscapes into a unique personal voice. As both a performer and composer, Keller’s work exemplifies the power of music to bridge cultures, transcend borders, and speak to the human experience.

With his extensive experience as both a performer and educator, Rick Keller continues to contribute to the world of jazz and music at large. His discography, both as a solo artist and sideman, continues to grow, as does his impact on the next generation of musicians at UNLV.

Online Presence

• YouTube Channel: Rick Keller's YouTube Channel
• Apple Music: Rick Keller on Apple Music
• Website: Linktree
• Instagram: @rickkellersax
• UNLV Instructor Video: UNLV Fine Arts Instructor Video
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  Rick Keller's multifaceted career, rich with global influences, diverse collaborations, and a commitment to musical education, continues to inspire and influence musicians worldwide.

Awards

Nevada Arts council grant

Gear

Trevor James Saxes and Flutes, Daddariow Jazz Select reeds, 10mfan soprano mouthpiece, Eric Falcon custom mouthpieces, BG France ligatures, Ollo Audio Headphones.