With tone, cadence and breath of a 1950’s jazz saxophonist, the 17 year old Grace Kelly continues to be a surprise. What is refreshing about Ms. Kelly’s play is that she is not mimicking, she is doing her own thing. 
We recall a few years ago there was a thought that Jazz had seen its last note, with the focus moving towards electronic sounds, rap and sometimes over produced studio tracks. But there seems to be more then a hand full of musicians similar to Ms. Kelly, who are making music as fierce and exciting as Coltrane, Miles, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. I am not at all suggesting that she be held in the same light as these great artists, but rather having enthusiasm for this music is a great place to start.
Ms Kelly has her detractors, who point to how well managed her press releases, photo ops and interviews are handled, which is true but is a part of the territory for this century. At least she has not declared herself as the “Princess of the Saxophone”. I would imagine that if Monk had the same media tools he would (should) be recognized as an equal to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
I am looking forward to Ms. Kelly’s continued growth.