Alison Keslow is one of Boston’s finest and grooviest bass players.
Alison grew up in a musical home in New York with her mom, a professional jazz pianist and singer. 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. She started playing in rock bands and playing gigs within less than a year. Alison began studying bass, both acoustic and electric. She moved to Boston, MA and studied with renowned teaches including bassist, Bruce Gertz and Jazz Guru Charlie Banacos. Alison also earned her BM. from Berklee College of Music and her MM. from Boston University
Alison constantly performs in more than 100 shows a year with her own group, The Alison Keslow Group as well as collaborates with other artists. Alison has performed with, shared album credits and supported artists such as Victor Wooten, Joan Armatrading, Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin, John Sebastian and Mindi Abair.
Alison has two instrumental albums out as a leader, “Between Earth and Sky” and “Bass Dharma ” as well as many singles. Alison has been nominated for a Boston Music Award for jazz artist of the year and been featured on NPR in recognition of her work as a bassist with the Mystic Chorale and Shakespeare To Hiphop.
Since 2011, Alison co-founded Sudbury School of Music, a private music school in Sudbury, MA.
Alison also spends her summers teaching at one of the top colleges in the world, Berklee College Of Music as a bass instructor for the Bass Workshop with legendary bassist, Victor Wooten. She also teaches at Berklee’s Five Week, Aspire Performance Program.
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 Alison was nominated for Jazz artist of the year!
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