PCAMI* is pleased to announce the addition of Gaea Schell to our prolific musical family. Gaea is from Alberta, Canada and began playing piano at the age of five. Initially interested in the classical harp, Gaea’s interests turned to jazz piano after being inspired by such legends as Charlie Parker, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson among others. After graduating from the jazz program at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, Gaea moved to Los Angeles and quickly became absorbed in the jazz scene performing with notable such as John Stowell, Ingrid Jensen, Nancy King, Dan Faehnle, Tony Dumas and Albert "Tootie" Heath of the legendary Heath Brothers.

Gaea was privileged to receive a Canada Council for the Arts grant in 1999 that took her to New York to study with internationally renowned pianist composer Richie Beirach. Gaea acknowledges that the real learning comes from performing with those who have spend time perfecting their art and who have worked with other jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Wynton Kelly, Joe Henderson and able to understand the jazz tradition and feel swing.

Gaea has worked in diverse musical contexts as a solo artist, in a trio, quartet, big band formats and including orchestral performances. Gaea teaches music and performs regularly in Los Angeles, at festivals around the world and as band leader with her own trio and quartet. Recently, she was the featured performer at the San Jose Jazz Festival. Gaea is also in demand for performance and recording sessions as a pianist for other artist around the country. With two highly acclaimed CD’s on the market entitled "Dream Away" and "For All We Know", Gaea is working on material for her highly anticipated third CD.

Albert "Tootie" Heath says, "She plays the heck out of the piano with them small hands."###

Contact Paul Collins, PCAMI* @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information, interviews or to discuss performance opportunities.