Kelsey Mines LOOK LIKE Review - Free Jazz Blog
One of the most admirable qualities of the recording is its chance-taking. So much of what we’re conditioned to hear and affirm is studio-polished, answering to a conception of perfection which turns against the unruly reality of experience with a demeaning squint, refusing the open encounter. Mines’ record feels unashamed and true. A genuine encounter with the possibilities of the upright bass. It’s a punk aesthetic, though not angry young man punk; more in the way of a practicing artist trying out all the colors, line types, and densities, seeing what works. The laborer’s craft. Honest expression over polish. Open studio day; we’re invited in. -Gregg Miller READ MORE
Kelsey Mines LOOK LIKE Review - Vital Weekly
Look Like is, to me, a searching preamble to self-recognition. The last track, 'Temple', is, again to me, a musical and vocal impression of (religious) ecstasy and the winding down of the experience. Overall an excellent addition to the ever-expanding discography of the double bass and here expertly combined with vocals. All I can say is: give this one a spin! It’ll brighten your day (or night). (MDS) READ MORE
Kelsey Mines LOOK LIKE Review - Salt Peanuts*
Mines is a free spirit with a strong, personal voice – literally – of her own, who is well-versed in the classical and extended arco and pizzicato techniques but seeks to liberate the double bass, as well as herself as an artist, from the traditional and familiar roles of the bull fiddle. Mines, like Léandre, can make the double bass dance playfully and rhythmically, expose her emotional vulnerability, serenade her free-associative, wordless songs (except for the title song, where she keeps asking what it looks like), and chant irreverent hymns, often at the same time. - Eyal Hareuveni READ MORE
KELSEY MINES - Look Like at The Downtown Music Gallery - DMG Newsletter
There is a certain innocent, modest quality to this music, it is not as if Ms. Mines is trying to show off her techniques or chops but more about creating hew own inside world by plucking, bowing and banging on the strings with care. A most modest marvel. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG READ MORE
Kelsey Mines Interview on Something Else KBGA with Bill Kautz
My conversation with the bassist, composer, and multifaceted artist Kelsey Mines based in Seattle.
We discuss a number of important topics such as Kelsey's background, her two recent releases on Relative Pitch Records: To Actually Create Everywhere and Look Like, as well as topics such as balance, vulnerability/risk, study/betterment of one's self and the understanding that we ARE enough.