GUITAR GODS: Kelly Richey

Friday, 16 May 2008 03:17

"Stevie Ray Vaughan trapped in a woman's body with Janis Joplin screaming to get out." Kelly Live

That's how blues guitarist Kelly Richey was described by one music critic, and it's a pretty good description! Solid songwriting, impassioned vocals, and a fierce guitar all add up to a sonic assault that is Kelly Richey. Add to that a live show that is non-stop intensity, and you've got yourself a winner.

Kelly Richey got her start in 1986 when she joined Stealin' Horses, a band from Lexington, KY who had signed with Arista Records though Kelly left prior to the band's debut release, which had noted guitarist - and "Guitar Gods" interviewee - Steve Lukather handling many of the guitar duties. When Kelly left, she formed the blues-rock outfit The Kelly Richey Band, a band which has since gone on to tour the world, perform with blues legends like Lonnie Mack and Albert King.

She relocated to Cincinnati a few years later and started her own record label, Sweet Lucy Records, through which she has released almost a dozen CDs and a live concert DVD. She has also won numerous awards (Best Blues/R&B Band, Best Musician, etc.).

In addition to a grueling recording and performance schedule, Kelly maintains a private teaching studio as well as a recording studio, and is also actively involved in community outreach through the Cincinnati Arts Association where she is an official CAA "Artist On Tour" as well as through her own non-profit organization. In 2006, Richey created Music for Change to help enhance music education in public schools.

You can get much more info and check out her music at her web-site.

I had a chance to speak to Kelly recently. Check it out!

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1) What are your current projects?

I just completed a new CD titled "Carry The Light". It's an all original release and I'm very excited about it!!!

2) How does this (do these) differ from your past work?

This new CD is a defining moment for me as an artist. I have a wonderful writing team and an amazing band! The passion that I feel for music and the issues that motivate me to continue to move forward as an artist are expressed in this new piece of work. I feel that music can hep to heal a very divided country and hopefully aide in reminding listeners to tune in to the ever so important issues of our day. We have an opportunity to come together and help create change. It's an exciting time if we heed the call...

3) Do you have one project that you are most proud of as a guitarist?

The new CD is my favorite work thus far with "Speechless" close behind. With that said, I've never released a CD that didn't place strong focus on the guitar.

4) Can you give our readers a run-down of your basic gear (live and/or studio), and do you have a favorite piece of gear?

My old 65' strat is my favorite piece of "gear" by far!!! Currently I'm using a Fender Delux Reverb amp, Boogie 1 x 12 EVM external speaker cabinet, Sennheiser Wireless Unit, Vox Wah, two Ibanez Tube Screamers (both on at the same time 95% of the time), Ernie Ball volume pedal and a Boss GT3 for delays and harmonizer. I listed the effects in order as they appear in the chain. I use some combination of my live rig at home in my own studio and go to larger studios to benefit from multiple amps, a larger mic selection, a larger room for mic placement...etc. Note: 75% of "Carry The Light" was recorded in Cincinnati at ATS Studios in Cincinnati, the rest was cut at my home studio...ie...guitar leads, a few rhythm guitar parts and to vocals.

5) Who would you cite as early influences, and who are you favorite new players?

In order they would be, via a time-line: Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Roger Fisher, Roy Buchannan, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Lonnie Mack.

6) Can you give a few tips to aspiring players?

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and learn to work well with others!!!

7) What are your future plans?

We have a great tour schedule this summer and fall and are kicking of a west coast tour next week. We've released the CD to press and radio and have high hopes for the new CD, "Carry The Light". I have already begun writing for the next project.

8) Thanx for talking to us, Kelly!

You are very welcome!!! Thank you for asking!

KRB

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Comments (16)

Kelly Richey is fantastic. She has nowhere to go but up! She is as bright as the sun. Her live shows are scorching hot. She does a terrific job of carrying the light. Long live Blues!
Thanks KRB - you guys rock.

You go girl, the Blues community is lucky to have you and your band. Awesome blog video at the Little Bear in Evergreen, CO!
Keep doing what your doing hon, your doing it just right! Hugz and Good Luck on the tour!! Jimbo

This new CD is by far Kelly's best work! She is absolutely the best guitar player that I have ever seen play live. Go online and buy here CD, You won't be sorry!!! If she is in your area, you owe it to yourself to see her show. You will be wondering why you haven't treated yourself to the KRB expeirience before!!!!

I've seen Kelly play so many times that I've lost count and the shows are always fresh and dynamic. She always has time for her fans. You'll give yourself a treat when you see her live.You'll wish you'd known about her sooner. I am lucky to say she is my friend. Peace, Dottie

First time I heard and saw her was in an alley club in Nashville. Blew mw away. Been following her ever since.

Saw Kelly for the first time back in 97' and have been going to her shows every chance I get. I am constantly telling my friends locally and back home in AZ about the fabulous riffs and jams she produces from that Strat... Will be moving back out west soon so my opportunities to see her will be limited, but I will treasure all the times I have been blessed to view this woman play...

i saw KRB in medina Ohio and have been in love with there music ever since. I have never experienced a guitar player of Kellys calliber in a long time. i do support work for the band here in cleveland and they have a fan for life. kelly keep rockin as only you know how

I went to see a k.r.b. show with my husband who was going on and on about how frickin good they are and i have to admit that my attitude was "yeah-whatever". It honestly takes a lot to impress me so i was very skeptical. After about 2 songs i found myself laughing out loud because i was so happy to be so entertained!!! The whole band sounded great and was fun to watch. Kelly was mind blowing on the guitar. i kept catching myself with my mouth hanging open and thinking that this band is way too big to be in this place. Seeing this band live was honestly the most fun ive had going out in a long time!!

I had never heard of Kelly until last year when I seen a video of her. I was hooked, I have gought all of her cd's her DVD and am planning on seeing her twice this yearwhich will be about a 2.5 hour drive. Kelly is for sure one of the best out there. Great engery, and really high end guitar work. Well worth checking out.

I've taken a number of people to see Kelly in Indy and they always come away as believers. If she comes even NEAR your town...go see her!

Kelly is absolutely one of the best, not only as a guitarist, but as a person also. She can totally rock the house without hurting an ear or missing a lick. Kind, talented and intelligent, she is truly one of the best. Her live performances transcends common reality into pure art for the heart. Wow.

Thanks for posting this interview. It's really nice to hear from artists in their own words. Kelly Richey is one of the best.

amazing guitarist and great person. Thanks for doing the clinics at our school.

I have had the pleasure of knowing and enjoying Kelly from the "old days" at Tommy's on Main in Cincy. (mid 90's) Always a favorite- Every time I see her it makes ME want to play guitar. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her. And I always cry at least once during a show cuz she touches the heart. I have a plethora of t-shirts, cd's and the dvd(all signed!!), which I just watched the other day. GO, GO, GO see her if you ever have the chance!!! You won't regret it and whoever you take with you will be indebted to you. I have never understood why she hasn't gone BIG-- YET so enjoy the intimate venues while we can! See ya at the Little Bear soon, girl! Peace. Lori

Kelly is such a talented artist and a great person. To see Kelly strap on her guitar and transform from smiling and reserved to this amazing performer who goes to another place and time is exhilerating........because you know you're about to go too. Thats a gift nobody should miss out on. Ya gotta see KRB!!!!

she is by far the best guitarist and live performer i have seen in a long time. the energy flow from her shows are awesome. she brings the term live music to a whole new defination.

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