Roots R&B/Americana singer/songwriter/piano player/guitarist Kelley Hunt challenges easy categorization. She is steeped in the blues, roots and gospel traditions yet has a refreshing originality.
She keeps her music roots solidly intact but also crosses boundaries, but not limiting herself with tradition. While truly a skilled performer on a variety instruments she also has a powerful stage presence and superior vocal talents. Kelley Hunt is also a very fine songwriter who gladly takes on social and political issues. It is very easy to understand why she has earned the respect of critics and fans across North America and Europe.
http://youtu.be/bJwUsct2bZ8
Kelley’s wide ranging influences stretch over early blues, R&B, roots rock, jazz and Gospel influences -- artists like Ruth Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, Ann Peebles, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Charles Brown, and Wanda Jackson. There's also and a cross-section of the New Orleans/St. Louis/KC piano traditions of Professor Longhair, Toots Washington, Johnnie Johnson and Kansas City masters Jay McShann and Mary Lou Williams among others.
Her resume includes well over 1000 performances with appearances at a long list of North American and International festivals, six visits to 'A Prairie Home Companion', nearly 150,000 indie units sold on her own label and critical praise from a myriad of sources.
I spoke to Kelley Hunt, who is a headliner at The Greeley Blues Jam (June 9th), this past week and will feature her comments and music this Saturday on The Nine O’clock Blues.
http://youtu.be/25LO0IbaKWw
Also on the program will be music from the new CD by Kelley’s fellow headliner, Otis Taylor. The CD is titled “Contraband” and the show will include Otis’ comments about the making of the album and on the background of several of the tracks. Be sure to join me Saturday night for The Nine O’clock Blues.