On this episode of the Chiaroscuro Podcast, we explore the work and legacy of Roger Kellaway.
About Roger Kellaway
Roger Kellaway is a versatile and ubiquitous pianist, often heard behind the scenes supporting others and working in film and TV soundtrack work, creating scores and even composing for the ballet. Among the general public, he is best known for composing and playing the closing theme for the hit 1970s sitcom “All in the Family,” and themes for the spinoff “Archie Bunker’s Place.” A Massachusetts native, Kellaway is an alumnus of the New England Conservatory of Music. He released his first album in 1963, and has been active recording ever since.
About the Music
His one Chiaroscuro album was a session called Roger Kellaway Meets the Duo, who were guitarist Gene Bertoncini and bassist Michael Moore, both also ubiquitous musicians who have been heard on many albums and soundtracks. Bertoncini was for many years the guitarist in the Tonight Show orchestra, with Johnny Carson, the band led by Doc Severinson. Bassist Michael Moore worked with Marian McPartland, Bill Evans, Gil Evans, Benny Goodman, and Phil Woods, among others.
The three got together to record at the famous VanGelder studios in New Jersey in 1992, in a distinctive drum-less trio of piano, guitar and bass, similar in configuration to the early Nat King Cole Trio, when Cole was pianist. The configuration is both a little challenging and offers an opportunity to really swing with first-rate musicians. The album is a mixture of jazz standards original compositions, with each of the three contributing tunes.
About The Chiaroscuro Podcast
Chiaroscuro Director of Artistry & Repertoire George Graham produces and hosts The Chiaroscuro Podcast. Explore the works of other Chiaroscuro performers in our Artists Section. Check out other episodes of the Chiaroscuro Podcast here.
