Photo by Scott Preston
Kelly Richey Band
12/12/14
The Redmoor, 3186 Linwood Ave, Cincinnati, OH
8pm, $10
www.theredmoor.com
Based in Cincinnati, Kelly Richey is one of the hardest working independent musicians out there; to date logging an extraordinary 800,000 miles touring, and at one point in her 28- year professional career, gigging a grueling 275 days out of the year. Richey started playing guitar at the age of 15. Today, a staggering 3,500 gigs later, she more than earns the title of master guitarist. She has been described as “Stevie Ray Vaughan trapped in a woman’s body with Janis Joplin screaming to get out”. She has been listed as among the top 100 gifted guitarists by the Truefire Community in 2011, and frequently draws comparisons to blues icons Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Richey has shared the stage with such legends as Lonnie Mack and Albert King, and has opened for Joe Cocker, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Walter Trout, Little Feat, Foghat, REO Speedwagon, George Thorogood, Average White Band, Robben Ford, Warren Zevon, and James Brown.
Richey is a no-holds-barred, serious axe grinder. Setting up her band as a power trio (drums, bass, and guitar) showcases her muscular, incendiary leads and masterful guitar chops. Playing live is where Richey shines, literally bringing down the house at every show she plays. Cognizant of the emotionality in her live shows, Richey steamrolls; she hits the audience hard and fast, grabs on and doesn’t let go. Making music that’s hard rocking, blues-based, and guitar driven, she blasts her audiences with jaw-dropping lightening fast riffs and a muscularity of playing that even many of the best male guitarists don’t possess. Her soulful voice– a big, powerful alto, provides the arc that completes the circle for a total sonic experience that is not to be forgotten. There is no denying that Richey’s stage presence is powerful. The first few notes from her guitar and you know you are in very competent hands; in particular, her effect on the audience is not to be missed. Those who have never seen her play before are stopped in their tracks, stunned and speechless. (from kellyrichey.com)
