Start Here: Discover Wynton Kelly’s Liner Notes
A Backstage Pass to the World of Music through Conversations, Stories and Analysis
Start Here
Welcome to Wynton Kelly’s Liner Notes
A Backstage Pass to the World of Music through Conversations, Stories and Analysis
About the Writer
I’m Wynton Kelly Stone Guess—a pianist, composer, and lifelong student of music.
And yes, there’s a story behind the name. (It’s in my very first post—you can read it here—but stick with me through this page first.)
I started studying piano at six, later diving into composition. But my real education happened in rehearsal rooms, tour buses, soundchecks, green rooms, and late-night conversations around kitchen tables—with some of the greatest musicians working today.
Wynton Kelly’s Liner Notes is my space to unpack what I’ve learned and what I’m still learning. Here, I reflect on the craft of music, the culture that shapes it, and the conversations—past and present—that keep it alive.
What You’ll Find Here
This publication is built around three core series—each one a different entry point into the world of music, meaning, and memory.
Trading Twelves
This series is built around interviews and conversations with musicians—from seasoned legends to emerging artists. The name comes from the jazz practice of exchanging 12-bar solos, but it’s also a nod to Trading Twelves, the book of letters between Albert Murray and Ralph Ellison.
I had the chance to spend time with and get to know Mr. Murray as a kid, and his writing deeply shaped how I think about Black art, tradition, and dialogue. These conversations are my way of continuing that exchange—one chorus at a time.
(I’ll also share personal reflections on meeting Mr. Murray himself and his influence on me in the Stories section over time.)
Stories Between the Notes
Where memory, music, and meaning meet.
These are personal reflections, behind-the-scenes moments, and formative memories—stories that shaped the way I think about music and life.
From late-night green room talks to quiet lessons - these pieces explore what’s hidden in the spaces between the sounds.
Form & Function
This series is about how the music works—and why it matters. I analyze form, phrasing, harmony, and performance choices, but I also explore the social, historical, and cultural context that shapes what we hear.
From spirituals and swing to hip hop and modern improvisation, music doesn’t live in a vacuum. It carries stories—of struggle, celebration, migration, innovation. If you want to hear not just what is being played, but why, this is for you.
Why Subscribe?
If you care about music—not just the sound, but the story—this space is for you.
In an age of quick takes and constant noise, I’m building something slower and more intentional: a place to reflect, learn, and stay connected through music and conversation. Whether it’s an interview, an essay, or a breakdown of a the music in a film, or a detailed analysis of an orchestral score, every post is crafted to give you something real to hold onto.
In a time when everything moves fast and fragments—our attention, our media, our work—I wanted to create a space for deeper engagement.
A free subscription keeps you in the loop with every new post, straight to your inbox. No algorithms. No noise. Just thoughtful music writing, interviews, and reflections that you can return to at your own pace.
Why Go Paid?
If something you read here resonates—if you find value in slow, thoughtful, independently written work—please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Paid subscriptions help me:
Devote time to deeper interviews and analysis
Share extended cuts, behind-the-scenes stories, and unreleased material
Stay independent while continuing to create meaningful content
Your support turns this blog from a passion into a sustainable practice. It’s not just about access—it’s about investing in the kind of work you want to see more of. It’s not about putting content behind a wall—it’s about building a community that values depth, insight, and continuity. If that sounds like you, I’d love to have you on board.
Thanks for reading. I’m glad you’re here. Share this post with your friends and encourage them to come on board as well.
— Wynton