New York-based soprano saxophonist Chris Kelsey is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary improvised music. Kelsey-led ensembles have featured such musicians as the bassists Francois Grillot, Dominic Duval, and Ken Filiano; drummers Jackson Krall, Jay Rosen and Lou Grassi, and trombonist Steve Swell, among many others. Kelsey has led a number of record dates for the C.I.M.P. label and his own Saxofonis Music imprint. He’s been a longtime presence on New York’s vital jazz and new music scene, performing regularly at the Knitting Factory and at many of the city’s major music festivals. Kelsey’s latest recording is Beyond 'Is' and 'Is Not' on Cadence Jazz, a solo session featuring his unique interpretations of classic jazz compositions by Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington, and others. Later in 2005 C.I.M.P. will issue Wishing You Were Here, a trio date featuring his original compositions; Kelsey is joined by his regular trio, which includes drummer Rosen and bassist Grillot. Kelsey’s previous recordings as a leader include Observations (C.I.M.P.), a duo with Swell; The Ingenious Gentleman of the Lower East Side (C.I.M.P.), by a trio featuring bassist Duval; In Search of Emmett Hardy (Saxofonis) by his Un-Ironic Quartet, and Hear With Your Ear (Saxofonis), by his Unacknowledged Ensemble, a group that features drummer Krall and pianist Mark Hennen.