Kelley Hunt's Fourth Album Showcases Righteous Roots
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.
Hey lady! I just ordered up some "Mercy" for my mom for Mother's Day. (Hint, hint - everyone else do the same!!) She's going to love it! I hope all is well with you and yours in your land. Have a fun week!
Hello Kelley, thanks for the add. I am very impressed by your voice and your piano playing. What a talent! You also know how to choose the right musicians, they are great players. I wish to meet you someday. Big kisses from Paris. Christophe
Lawd, Lawdy LawdLawd! Just wanted to stop by and wish you a happy spring, set, and listen a spell. I guess in a way MySpace has replaced the front porch. Or maybe just augmented it, seeing as I would've been unable to stop by the lil' box on the prairie for a few moments today. All the best to you my friend...
You were on fire at the Cotillion Friday night! Really enjoyed the new music and was happy we were able to buy the new cd! Thanks for sharing your time with all of us after the show. You are SO enormously talented ... yet who knew you also played guitar!! I am never disappointed when I walk out the door after one of your shows! Peace ...
We really enjoyed the wichita show. You ROCKED ! Listened to the new CD all the way home. I could tell that it wasn't the new guitar players first time at the dance. LOL Best wishes in the future - hoping the rest of the tour goes very well.
