MICHAEL KELSEY cannot be limited to a simple description. When
you listen to his music and see him perform live you're witnessing more than a
just another singer-songwriter. You're watching a rhythmic, inspired guitarist
and performance artist who brews soul, funk and even a little bit of the blues
into a guitar festival of organic sound. Multi-instrumentalist Kelsey has been
known to blend many musical genres with fervour and grace. When he hits the stage
to perform, he plays every inch of his guitar and makes it sing, soar, pop and
ping--by strumming it, pounding it and pulling every part of it or anything else
an arm's length or foot kick away. He has created a style that he described best
as "progressive-aggressive acoustic guitar," and he has only begun to
make a first impression.
Born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, he began his musical journey weaving
in and out of successful area bands as lead guitarist or bassist. Later he opened
and ran a thriving recording studio, which after five years he retired in order
to enable him to embark freely on his career as a solo artist.
His naturally soulful vocal illuminates carefully chosen lyrics that make his
songs shimmer and shine. He plays expressively and manipulates the guitar to
create a melodic fusion of alternate tunings and unorthodox hand positions allowing
for him to achieve a full sound. The true beauty is in the way the song, the
sound and the motion of his music unites. The songs, especially the lush instrumentals,
can be reminiscent of the late, great Michael Hedges, but boast Kelsey's personal
percussive stamp, exceptional arrangement and deliberate instrumentation.
His live performances are particularly moving. Sometimes he sounds as if he's
deftly playing more than one guitar. At a Kelsey show audience members may actually
lose themselves in the moment and forget they are listening to one person. They
can be tapping their foot one minute, in a deep trance the next, then bursting
into laughter.
After performing an opening set for folk artist David Wilcox, David described
Kelsey's show as "Cirque Du Soleil on acoustic guitar."
His love of performance extends to his fans, which gain in strength with every
show. He'd prefer them not to walk away saying, "Wow, what a great guitarist!"
Instead he hopes they go home and paint a picture, write a poem, or make music
with whatever is in their top kitchen drawer. He says, "Inspiration is
contagious and I like to help get it started."
Kelsey's abilities have enabled him to be noticed by many. A finalist in Guitar
Player Magazine's national competition and winner of Guitar Center's "Guitarmageddon,"
chosen as best unsigned guitarist out of over 3000 entrants nationwide says
it all. He has toured nationally with Blind Melon and Dishwalla and has shared
the stage with everyone from Adrian Legg to John Wesley Harding.
Press Quotes
"Michael
uses an arsenal of electronics, his Taylor 615, and his voice to create
layers of sonic adventures that challenge the limits of acoustic guitar
music." -Taylor Guitars
"A
fearless experimenter, Kelsey is an acoustic guitarist who weaves a multitude
of unusual sounds and rhythms into his patchwork quilt of work.
Part performance artist and part virtuoso musician. Kelsey takes the widest
possible variety of music and makes it his own." -Nuvo Magazine,Indianapolis, IN
"After
sets by Neal Schon and Steve Vai Michael Kelsey takes the stage. His combination
of percussive,Michael Hedges-like playing and Junior Brown-style de- and
re-tuning shows that he is indeed a viable "Guitarzilla." -MATT WEITZ - The Dallas Morning News
"Galloping
guitar work with significant crossover appeal." -Dirty Linen Magazine
"To
call the structure in his hands a guitar completely misses the point." -Fred Kraus, The Dayton Daily
"People
are going to see more of him, this man is going to have the opportunity
to communicate." -Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, of Doobie Brothers and SteelyDan
fame.
"An
astonishing performer..." -John Wesley Harding, folk artist
"
like Cirque Du Soleil on acoustic guitar." -David Wilcox, folk artist
Hi Michael, I hope you & your family had a wonderful Christmas.
The kids are jealous they didn't get to see you, when you played Dec. 5 downtown Laf. They want to know if you can book another "all ages" show. They want to see you again and this time, bring friends I think they are your Number 1 Fans
Amazing Job on Friday and Saturday at Peaches! My friends enjoyed it! You're always great! We can't wait for you to come back to the Dayton area!!! PS: I can't stop listening to your new CD... Especially the Bus in Motion song! Too bad we didn't hear that this weekend... Hmm, I'll have to hit you up in a coffee shop for that one I guess...!
Michael, it was wonderful seeing you perform last night at Riehle Bros. My daughters were thrilled to be there.. we look forward to another, upcoming "all ages show." Little Kayla is ready to record: French Fry Girl lol. You're soul touching.. extraordinary :)
It was great seeing your show in Omaha last week! How lucky for me that you were in town the week I was back in Omaha! You really should come do an Alaska tour....I have connections... :)
Hi Mike~ Awesome show at Rossville Summer's End Fest. This was my first time seeing you perform since Styff Kitten! Wow! You are so talented! My neice 'Elizabeth' is beyond thrilled that you played her name in guitar speak, she says you are her new favorite artist....before that she would say, "Richard Shannon Hoon". Hope we'll be seeing you there again next year!
Thanks for adding me as a friend here on myspace. I love your music! I have always enjoyed the sound of an acoustic guitar and a GREAT voice. Takes me back to the 60's, which is a compliment since there was SO many legendary musicians in that era. May you be the next legend in your time. Take care & God bless.
Hey Michael! It's been too long since I've seen you play! I wanted to let you know that I just posted some tracks from my new album, AMEN online. It would an honor if you took a few moments to check out what I've been working on. I don't go 3 or 4 months without hearing your name around here. Looking forward to seeing your return!
Hey Michael, Hi from Australia.Matty has been playing heaps of your music on the radio and at home. I really love all the songs but my favourite are Funky Farm and Electric Elves. thanks for the tunes Cale
Did you know you are the only Michael in my friends? Weird huh? Anyway- I am at work, and your song Soul Search just came on randomly on my ITunes and I truly forget how amazing you are Michael Kelsey! "And send me on my wayyyyy" :) When you coming back to Utah?...I wanna see you so bad and tell EVERYONE I KNOW TO GO SEE YOU AT ABG'S! Please let me know, Would love to see you again.
Bubbaz. 4/17. best show i've seen yet! thanks man. special thanks for the rain song! no matter how you do it, still sounds great. genius. see you in valpo hopefully. p.s. next time you leave ur window down, ima bring in the drum head and bb's in myself. lmao.
I think they are your Number 1 Fans 
We can't wait for you to come back to the Dayton area!!! PS: I can't stop listening to your new CD... Especially the Bus in Motion song! Too bad we didn't hear that this weekend... Hmm, I'll have to hit you up in a coffee shop for that one I guess...!
Had a blast Saturday night. can not wait to catch you again. you are awesome!!!
