Trumpeter Greg Kelley in an improviser whose work, both in solo contexts and with his main group nmperign, usually features quiet explorations of the extended technique of his instrument. Often, his playing sounds so alien that it's hard to tell he's playing a trumpet at all. After studying at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Kelley moved to Boston, where he made his recording debut with nmperign in 1998. Nmperign's second CD followed in 1999, and in 2000, Kelley began releasing a series of recordings for solo trumpet, including Trumpet and Empty Gestures. Since 2000, he has performed with Masashi Harada, Anthony Braxton and James Coleman. In 2001, Boxholder Records released The Ilya Tree, a quartet disc that featured Kelley playing extroverted free jazz with the fiery saxophonist Paul Flaherty. Also in 2001, he performed on an album by nmperign and a duo record with electronic musician Jason Lescalleet. His 2002 releases included a solo album entitled If I Never Meet You In This Life, Let Me Feel The Lack, a trio disc with Flaherty and Chris Corsano, and a series of albums with both nmperign and fellow trumpeter Axel Dörner. Throughout 2002, Kelley continued to tour as a solo artist and with nmperign. ~ Charlie Wilmoth, Rovi