Jeff Kelly, Acoustic Blues

Posted by Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania - Maria K Thursday, December 27, 2007 4:32 PM

The following is a glimpse of the submission to Sonic Bids, that our solo/duo winner, Jeff Kelly, submitted to Memphis for his entry into the International Blues Challenge that starts on January 31, 2008.


Born in 1947, I have been playing the acoustic guitar since 1964. In the middle of the Folk Music Revival of the 60’s, I was quickly drawn to the Piedmont and Delta style acoustic blues artists of the Golden Age of Blues, (the 1920s and 1930s.) In the ‘60s, some of the great acoustic blues artists were still performing, including Son House, Skip James, Reverend Gary Davis, Brownie McGhee, and Mississippi John Hurt. The blues attracted me because it is the most expressive music and has the greatest depth of emotion.

Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, I perform regionally at Arts Festivals, Blues Festivals, Folk Music Societies, and I have a regular engagement at a nearby nightclub. I will be competing as a soloist in the 2008 International Blues Competition as a result of winning a competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania, of which I am member.

In 2006, I released a CD titled, Classic Acoustic Blues, which is a tribute to the great acoustic blues artists. It contains songs by Reverend Gary David, Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, Blind Willie McTell, and Muddy Waters.

Since the release of “Classic Acoustic Blues,” I have been channeling my interest in the Blues into creating my own songs, guided by my interpretations of the Piedmont and Delta blues styles.

…. Jeff Kelly is currently working with the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania to develop a historical blues music program. He has volunteered to offer a music clinic in conjunction with that program for those wanting to learn new skills or hone skills that they already possess.


2 Response to "Jeff Kelly, Acoustic Blues"

  1. Faux Press January 16, 2008 at 8:18 AM
    Just finished listening to Jeff's CD. Brilliant picking and choices of tunes.
  2. BruceK March 7, 2008 at 9:58 PM
    Hello,
    My name is Bruce Krupnik
    I performed at the 2008 IBC as Karen Tyler and Bruce Krupnik.
    I played at the same venue as Jeff and really enjoyed his performance. He's a wonderfully talented guitarist.
    I was able to talk with Jeff after his performance.
    Is there anyway someone could get this comment to him. I understand he has tried to contact me.
    He can reach me at brucekrupnik@sbcglobal.net
    Thanks,
    Bruce

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