Alison Keslow Bassist, Composer, Educator.
Alison Keslow, based in Boston, MA.
The back story ~ Alison grew up in a musical home in New York with her mom, a professional jazz pianist. Alison learned piano at age four and would accompany her mom on performances by the time she was eight. Alison was frequently a part of the jam sessions that would occur in her home. When she was 19 her best friend got her an electric bass and that was it, she was forever a bassist. Alison began studying bass, both acoustic and electric with renowned teaches.
Education ~ Alison studied music and improvisation with Dr. Larry Weed and jazz guru Charlie Banacos and bass with, Paul Strasshofer, Rich Appleman and Bruce Gertz.
Alison earned her undergraduate degree in Music Education from Berklee College of Music in June of 1994 and her masters degree in Music Education from Boston University in May of 2022.
Performer ~ Alison has been a performing bassist in the Boston/New England area for 34 years with her own group, The Alison Keslow Group as well as a sideman for many great artists. Alison has performed with, shared album credits and supported artists such as Victor Wooten, Joan Armatrading, Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin, John Sebastian, Mindi Abair. For bookings and other inquires
Composer ~ Alison has two album releases of her Jazz compositions, “Between Earth and Sky,” 2003 and “Bass Dharma,” 2014 as well as her 2022 single, “In The Stars”. Listen to Alison’s original music here
Educator ~ Alison has been teaching in the Boston/New England area for 34 years. For bass lessons inquire here. Contact Alison for lessons
Since 2011, Alison co-founded Sudbury School of Music, a private music lessons and ensembles school in Sudbury, MA. Find out more about our school offerings here. Sudbury School Of Music
Since 2015 Alison has been teaching at Berklee College of Music’s Summer Performance Program, Berklee Bass Workshop with artist in residence Victor Wooten and the Berklee Guitar Series.
Educator Philosophy ~ “ help students expand their horizons by building on their backgrounds and interests. Focus is on the students natural strengths combined with solid music theory that results in developed intuition when performing with others.”
Podcaster ~ In August of 2021, Alison started Earthtones podcast! Musician interviews and creative inspirations.
Press ~ Alison Keslow struts her stuff on instrumental album Bass Dharma, Bill Copeland News
Boston Music Award Nominee Jazz Artist of The Year, 2017, 2018 & 2019
Mom by Day, Jazz Musician by Night
Reviews ~
“AK doesn’t perform, write or record the music – she feels the music.” Ron Hirschberg ~pianist/vocalist/composer, Massachusetts
“Alison is a great, supportive bass player. It is a true pleasure to work with her. She provides a warm bass tone and groove to every situation she performs in. Alison is also a fine soloist and a kind person.” – Bruce Gertz ~composer/bassist, Massachusetts
“I experienced Alison Keslow for the first time yesterday … musically of course … all I can say is … Yippee!” – Jerry Marotta ~ drummer/producer, Peter Gabrial, Hall and Oats, Indigo Girls, New York
“I have been taking piano lessons from Alison for 4 years. When I started I could not play a single song. Now I take my keyboard out to gigs and I can play and sing! I appreciate the flexibility, creativity, incredible talent and sincere love of music that she shares and how she supports my goals. She’s wonderful!” – Laura P., Massachusetts
“I bought a Fender bass several years ago and never learned to play it. I signed up with a few teachers and never really made much progress. After studying with Alison a few months, I was able to finally jam with other people and music theory started to make sense. – John M., Massachusetts
“I’ve have the pleasure of playing with Alison over the last decade. She makes me better and she is always in the moment. You can tell by the perpetual smile on her face while she plays that she is loving the moment too!” – Chuck Clough, vocalist guitarist/songwriter, Massachusetts
“I have hired Alison to play several of our family parties over the years and she does an amazing job! The musicians are always top notch and bring their talent and professionalism to the entire event. – Mary Lou W., Massachusetts
“You all were the highlight of our week long trip to Boston!” Thank you so much! ~ Jenna B., California
Astrology with Alison ~ New in March of 2022. Combining birth chart readings with music to help artists tune in to their creative calling. Now offering Astrology infused music lesson and reading through Zoom. Contact Alison