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Composer/vocalist Mike Kelleher and classical violinist Karin Kelleher will release their debut album Mélange on September 4th, 2015. The album blends rich and diverse harmonic colors and rhythm, fusing jazz and classical styles, and includes original compositions and arrangements.

Mélange (French for “mix” or “blend”) celebrates the cross-influences of classical and jazz composers, and includes a unique ensemble of performers who excel in both genres.

The unique acoustic instrumentation includes string quartet, double bass, guitar, oboe, voice, and drummer Joe McCarthy, the founder and leader of the Latin Grammy award-winning group Afro Bop Alliance.

Produced, composed and arranged by Mike Kelleher, Mélange celebrates the cross-influences of classical and jazz composers, highlighting musicians who perform — and serving listeners who enjoy — both genres.

Karin and Mike settled in the Washington, DC area just before Mike began a stint at the White House (NY Times story here, and bio here), and Karin now plays with the Maryland Symphony, Annapolis Symphony and other ensembles (bio here). They have three daughters, and perform regularly on the East Coast.

The debut video from the album, is an animation video by Collin McRae Leix, based on a story written by Mike Kelleher. It’s the story of a girl who dreams of playing with dolphins, and who later recalls that cherished memory when dealing with life’s challenges. The song suggests dolphins’ gentle undulating movements aside the boat. It is adapted from Herbie Hancock’s Dolphin Dance, with a new arrangement and lyrics by Mike Kelleher.

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