Kelley Hunt’s deeply soulful alto, combined with her rootsy, fierce piano chops are anchored in the foundations of rhythm and blues. She has forged a remarkable career on her own terms, independently selling 90,000 albums, while her blistering live performances have led her to the stages of elite Blues, Jazz, Roots, and music festivals all over the world. But on her fourth album, MERCY (out May 15) Kelley was ready for something more. “I had to go ahead and take all the boundaries off, take all the second-guessing off, and just say what I need to say, and be the artist that I'm here to be."
MERCY is a showcase for her artistry and a testament to her formidable skills as a songwriter, tackling a variety of social and political issues in a deft way, from war planning, intolerance and personal responsibility. Musically, it ventures out from her R&B pedigree, boldly exploring and crossing boundaries.
The psychedelic, swamp-rock Gospel “You Got To Be the Vessel,” opens the record as a personal statement to her own responsibility and the choices she makes as an artist, and calls others to do the same. From there Kelley, who co-produced the record, weaves funk grooves, soulful ballads, greasy riffs and boogie to make her various points on Mercy.
In the studio Kelley surrounded herself with old friends and new collaborators. The band is full of all-stars: Bassist Bob Babbitt from Motown's Funk Brothers, drummer Bryan Owings from the Buddy Miller Band and Shelby Lynne’s band, guitarist Colin Linden from Canada's roots-rock supergroup Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and organist Mark Jordan (Van Morrison's band, Bonnie Raitt and Delbert McClinton.)
Of course, Kelley’s own piano shares the heart of the album, most powerfully on the title track that sets the theme of the record. “These are our daughters, these are our sons oh Lord forgive us for what we've done. And show some mercy.”
Kelley wrote “Emerald City” as a parable of the Wizard of Oz - where materialism distracts citizens from the man behind the curtain - who is really running the show for his own purposes. "I associated the Emerald City with the reason we first went to war. A lot of people in this country don't want to look at those reasons; they still say, 'I'm happy to live in the Emerald City.''
"Mountain To Move" is the theme song for "Bunker Hill," a forthcoming indie film with a political theme from acclaimed director Kevin Willmott (C.S.A - The Confederate States of America). Kelley also plays a small acting roll, and co-scored the music for the movie. The song climaxes the album’s central messages with an anthemic plea – now that we’ve cut to the truth of the matter, let’s fix it with open hearts.
Thanks to you and Caryn for a wonderful afternoon of poetry and song at the Lawrence Public Library. "Land of Milk and Honey" made me want to get up and dance. Big Love!
Your Groove makes this Groove Train Mo' better cause your on it and I can Rejoice in knowing that all my Friends dig the Ride also because of how you enhance their Groove with the energy you bring to the Table! Keep it Flowing and SicUm!
Thanks for the add! You were awesome in KC back in the day of King Henry's feast. I saw Richard and Linda Thompson there as well as Los Lobos...circa 1980. Come to Seattle sometime! I lived close to Auburn Hills MI for 8 years and I will tell my friends there to see you at Callahans in October. Regards. Bruce
Hi , thank you for the
friendship, it's a pleasure having you among my friends. My best compliments for
your music. I wish you great success in all your pursue. Greetings from Italy.
Federico Martello
Heard and saw you play for the first time in Bemidji last night! Blew me away! I really enjoyed it, what a great voice and great sounding band you have!
Hola Dearest Kelley! I am getting ready, too, but no sun here, not for 5 days in a row now. Can't wait to be with everyone... I'm heading out next Friday and spend a few days a Grand Lake before heading to Camp Wood. Thank You, Thank You for offering this exquisite opportunity in the creative cocoon with kindred spirits... xoxo
Kelley - your track on the Carnivaleros CD is so cool!!!! Spooky! I don't check in to Myspace much - I'm more of a Facebooker - but I had to tell you. Hope to see you soon!
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