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Website: www.robinkelly.co.nz
| Robin Kelly promotion: Cyrus Rhodes of Katavi Arts www.kataviarts.com |
Robin Kelly Biography
“Each song has a different flavour, a different life. By the time a song is recorded it has already grown and changed. It
then matures and transforms each time it is performed. Sometimes it is put away for years in suspended animation.
Robin has written songs all his life. However, in the early nineties they came through in a flurry, and he wandered into a
studio in Mount Eden, Auckland and did his best to convince the owner to help him with a couple of demos. In 1998,
he released his first album ‘Black Ice’ gaining national radio airplay, and a live spot on television New Zealand
performing ‘Empty Sack of Dreams.’
Since then three albums have followed; all have been critically acclaimed. In 2003 he was Artist of the Week at New
Zealand’s premier radio station 1ZB. Shimmer was first released in 2007 in New Zealand, and this year in the USA,
where it has been nominated for 2010 Album of the Year by Indie Music Digest.
Robin’s other life is as a writer and presenter. In his presentations, sometimes he just talks, sometimes he just sings,
sometimes both. In the evening, he just sings. In 2009, his presentation The Human Hologram was a highlight of New
Zealand's first TEDx. His second book won best science book at the 2008 USA Best Books
Awards. He is a frequent radio and TV guest in New Zealand and the US, including an interview with George Noory on
Coast to Coast in December 2009.
When he is not performing, he is known to work from home as a doctor.
“Each song has a different flavour, a different life. By the time a song is recorded it has already grown and changed. It
then matures and transforms each time it is performed. Sometimes it is put away for years in suspended animation.
Robin has written songs all his life. However, in the early nineties they came through in a flurry, and he wandered into a
studio in Mount Eden, Auckland and did his best to convince the owner to help him with a couple of demos. In 1998,
he released his first album ‘Black Ice’ gaining national radio airplay, and a live spot on television New Zealand
performing ‘Empty Sack of Dreams.’
Since then three albums have followed; all have been critically acclaimed. In 2003 he was Artist of the Week at New
Zealand’s premier radio station 1ZB. Shimmer was first released in 2007 in New Zealand, and this year in the USA,
where it has been nominated for 2010 Album of the Year by Indie Music Digest.
Robin’s other life is as a writer and presenter. In his presentations, sometimes he just talks, sometimes he just sings,
sometimes both. In the evening, he just sings. In 2009, his presentation The Human Hologram was a highlight of New
Zealand's first TEDx. His second book won best science book at the 2008 USA Best Books
Awards. He is a frequent radio and TV guest in New Zealand and the US, including an interview with George Noory on
Coast to Coast in December 2009.
When he is not performing, he is known to work from home as a doctor.
| Robin Kelly |
| Discography Albums: Black Ice (1998) - Silk & Knives (2002) - Shimmer (2007 NZ 2010 US) - Something Magical (2010) |
| ********************************************************************************************************************************** |
| Instrumentation: Robin Kelly: Vocals guitars harmonica - Rob Galley: Guitars - Mike McCarthy: Keyboards, percussion |
Review from Gary Allen
Robin Kelly is a kindred and creative spirit that has appeared on my favorite late night talk show, Coast to Coast AM. Art Bell has played my band's music for bumpers
for fifteen years. They have good taste, even though they play " The Devil Went Down To Georgia" every time they have a Satanist or self proclaimed witch on board.
I will ask Robin who built the pyramids and tell him my theory on why I get abducted by Aliens. It's my last name; they don't seem to pay attention to details :) I digress.
Robin's voice is instantly intoxicating and the songwriting is from the heart and enchanting, even other worldly. Touching life stories and personal reality lyrics that are
simplistic and comfortable as some of John Lennon's work. He has been compared to Lennon by other reviewers and indeed some of the Beatle's most beautiful
ballads were indeed penned by John. After listening to his latest CD release "Something Magical" Robin is forcing me to use words like gorgeous, to describe his
melodies and timeless to describe the songs. There aren't other words to use.
Compiled meticulously, his four CD's are personal deep, complex, and even enchanting. My former band mate Charlie Daniels toured with Leonard Cohen in the late
60'. Robin is a big fan of Cohen and so am I. I hear the influence in Robin's thoughtful, heartfelt lyrics in tracks from "Shimmer", just released this year in the United
States and a huge hit on the thriving indie scene in this country.
My more recent bandmate JJ Cale, added rhythm guitar to Paul Simon's Graceland, another influence of Robins'. We have some connections in influences that prove
it's a small world no matter what island you are living on. I did a few shows with Don McLean as well who Robin is in the same league with, in my opinion, whether he
would admit to it or not.
Robin Kelly has carried his songs around for years but soon they will carry him around. Great songs will have you living out of a suitcase and doing their bidding. You
will receive untold affection by adding music to poetry. Robin is a great artist, a nice man, a doctor, songwriter, author and is compassionate with his charity work. He
offers downloads of his songs for a donation to hungry kids living in poverty. I am proud to be a fan, a friend, and sharing the planet with a talented, and humble,
troubadour. Thank you my friend for providing the uplifting songs that were exactly what I needed to get me through the gray industrial winter.
-Gary Allen (The Charlie Daniels Band/JJ Cale)
**********************************************************************************************************************************
Robin Kelly is a kindred and creative spirit that has appeared on my favorite late night talk show, Coast to Coast AM. Art Bell has played my band's music for bumpers
for fifteen years. They have good taste, even though they play " The Devil Went Down To Georgia" every time they have a Satanist or self proclaimed witch on board.
I will ask Robin who built the pyramids and tell him my theory on why I get abducted by Aliens. It's my last name; they don't seem to pay attention to details :) I digress.
Robin's voice is instantly intoxicating and the songwriting is from the heart and enchanting, even other worldly. Touching life stories and personal reality lyrics that are
simplistic and comfortable as some of John Lennon's work. He has been compared to Lennon by other reviewers and indeed some of the Beatle's most beautiful
ballads were indeed penned by John. After listening to his latest CD release "Something Magical" Robin is forcing me to use words like gorgeous, to describe his
melodies and timeless to describe the songs. There aren't other words to use.
Compiled meticulously, his four CD's are personal deep, complex, and even enchanting. My former band mate Charlie Daniels toured with Leonard Cohen in the late
60'. Robin is a big fan of Cohen and so am I. I hear the influence in Robin's thoughtful, heartfelt lyrics in tracks from "Shimmer", just released this year in the United
States and a huge hit on the thriving indie scene in this country.
My more recent bandmate JJ Cale, added rhythm guitar to Paul Simon's Graceland, another influence of Robins'. We have some connections in influences that prove
it's a small world no matter what island you are living on. I did a few shows with Don McLean as well who Robin is in the same league with, in my opinion, whether he
would admit to it or not.
Robin Kelly has carried his songs around for years but soon they will carry him around. Great songs will have you living out of a suitcase and doing their bidding. You
will receive untold affection by adding music to poetry. Robin is a great artist, a nice man, a doctor, songwriter, author and is compassionate with his charity work. He
offers downloads of his songs for a donation to hungry kids living in poverty. I am proud to be a fan, a friend, and sharing the planet with a talented, and humble,
troubadour. Thank you my friend for providing the uplifting songs that were exactly what I needed to get me through the gray industrial winter.
-Gary Allen (The Charlie Daniels Band/JJ Cale)
**********************************************************************************************************************************
IMD - Something Magical is your 4th release, how does it differ from your previous releases?
ROBIN KELLY Each album has had a different flavor. ‘Black Ice ‘(12 yrs before AC/DC's version) was dark and rootsy, Silk and Knives my first with Mike McCarthy
softer, lighter but with a cutting edge, ‘Shimmer’ guitar country rock based, and ‘Something Magical’ folk based with a gospel feel. A more personal statement, with
songs that fit into my presentations. In general the more bare bones guitar vocal songs like The Moment connect best in this setting.
IMD Listening to your music I get the impression artists like John Lennon and Don McLean had some musical influence – am I off the mark there?
ROBIN KELLY Completely right – Lennon was an extra ordinary songwriter, whose lyrics cut like a knife through McCartney’s softer lyrics and melodies. Don McLean
– a master story weaver – I saw him live once and was inspired.
IMD Have you ever heard “Starry Starry Night” by Don McLean? What do you think about that particular song?
ROBIN KELLY A magical song –probably the most poetic song ever. Both a story and a painting.
In general I try to paint pictures with my songs –evoking a mystical image, but occasionally I write a narrative song – eg Running Wild, The Dusty Road….
Favorite narrative song of all time Dylan’s Desolation Row
IMD Who have been some of your biggest musical influences over the years?
ROBIN KELLY The writers that emerged in the 60s and 70s that embraced songs about anything. So obviously Dylan, Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Byrds, Kinks
(Ray Davies), Roxy Music, early Elton John, Van Morrison. Emmylou Harris, Allyson Kraus and more recently Ryan Adams and Ron Sexsmith.
IMD Who gets to be you all time favorite artist?
ROBIN KELLY I think Bob Dylan. Favorite Dylan quote: “When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it –don’t back down and don’t give up –
then you going to mystify a lot of folks.”
IMD What do want your fans to take away from your music?
ROBIN KELLY I want them to create their own images from the songs. My style tries not to get in the way of this. I would like to think that repeated listening brings new
insights.
Whatever I write seems to have a peaceful effect – as you know I carry very little angst.
____________________________________________________________
"When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it –
don’t back down and don’t give up – then you going to mystify a lot of folks.”
____________________________________________________________
IMD What was the best concert you’ve ever been to?
ROBIN KELLY Last year’s Leonard Cohen concert. Astounding band, and a profound experience all round.
A close second, seeing Elton John circa 1973 in a converted North London cinema. 3 hours and the first time he performed Candle in the Wind.
IMD As I understand it you are a Holistic Healing, how does your music tie into that?
ROBIN KELLY Creativity and intuition are often a focus in my one to one consultations. Music –not just New Age music – has a known scientific effect on our immune
systems. Its about walking the talk.
I am a writer on my 3rd book, so do a lot of presentations which incorporate music to keep people relaxed and entertained.
IMD How did you get into that in the first place?
ROBIN KELLY Drawn to Chinese medicine once I introduced acupuncture into my medical practice in the early eighties. Bit of a long story after that, got most on my
website under About Us.
IMD What part of New Zealand do you reside?
ROBIN KELLY North Shore of Auckland, North Island largest city with 1.2 million
IMD How’s the music scene there?
ROBIN KELLY Active, Neil Finn (Crowded House) lives here, good new singer songwriters Ladyhawke etc. And of course the brilliant Flight of the Conchords
IMD What’s next for Robin Kelly?
ROBIN KELLY The doors are opening for more presentations and performances on the back of my successful writing –with better fees from corporate etc.
I would love to have the opportunity for more music based performance with the session musicians used on my albums – Mike and guitarist Rob Galley. It is tough
for singer songwriters with original material, especially older folk like myself, as many of my generation connect principally with the music of their youth – a nostalgic
thing. I want to challenge this, and inspire all ages to take a risk with their creativity. I am writing a new book The Human Hologram, the title of my recent presentations,
all about how we appear to live in a virtual reality. Doing a lot of radio and some film work. Juggling all this with my busy practice. I want the quality of my music to
match my other work. Hard copy CD's are sold, almost exclusively via live gigs. As my busy life doesn’t include gigging around in bars and cafes, I need to capitalize
on the media exposure I get to promote my music. On a commercial level, I’m keen to expose my songs to other artists ( eg Michael Buble!), movie sound tracks etc.
Why all this – of all the things I do, my music is my most fun, alive thing I do. I want it to pay its way, not just be subsidized by my other projects.
**********************************************************************************************************************************
Black Ice Review
Interesting. Weird. Haunting. Specifically, I'm no...
Interesting. Weird. Haunting. Specifically, I'm not sure how to describe this one! I haven't heard much like it, so it's hard to compare. I could compare Robin Kelly to
himself, but where would that get us?
I love Robin's voice. It's rather a counter-tenor, much like 2 people: and I can't remember either of their names. Great review, huh? One's a big black guy with a high
voice. The other's the lead singer in a popular 80s band, with a high, odd voice. But RK has a clean sound, soft stuff that's great in headphones. For instance, 'Black
Ice' is a good traveling song with simple acoustic guitar and bass in the foreground, and a jazzy electric guitar way in the back putting on a show.
The song that sticks with me most is 'Sarsen Stone'. Possibly because it is one of the Strangest sounding things I've heard yet. I don't mean it's experimental. But just
the sound of the high sleepy voice along with that mandolin which creeps underneath. Spooky. World music right out of New Zealand. If this is the norm for NZ, I
wanna go.
While 'Crying Shame' is much like the black/blueness of the 80s sound I almost mentioned above. Listen to this at 1 am or after. It is essential you do this to soak in all
of the mystery and creepiness that invigorates this unknown classic. Well, classic might be strong, but it's a song that will stick to your shadow.
I'm still not sure what genre to say, unless 80s-pop-folk. But that's not really right. I'm afraid this is 1 occasion where you can't take my words for it, you've just got to
listen to Robin, who is Well worth the trial. Good acoustic performances. A strangely rich darkness that amazingly Never makes you depressed. How is this possible?
How can he get AWAY with it?? I don't know.
Muses's Muse. Ben Ohmart
**********************************************************************************************************************************
Interesting. Weird. Haunting. Specifically, I'm no...
Interesting. Weird. Haunting. Specifically, I'm not sure how to describe this one! I haven't heard much like it, so it's hard to compare. I could compare Robin Kelly to
himself, but where would that get us?
I love Robin's voice. It's rather a counter-tenor, much like 2 people: and I can't remember either of their names. Great review, huh? One's a big black guy with a high
voice. The other's the lead singer in a popular 80s band, with a high, odd voice. But RK has a clean sound, soft stuff that's great in headphones. For instance, 'Black
Ice' is a good traveling song with simple acoustic guitar and bass in the foreground, and a jazzy electric guitar way in the back putting on a show.
The song that sticks with me most is 'Sarsen Stone'. Possibly because it is one of the Strangest sounding things I've heard yet. I don't mean it's experimental. But just
the sound of the high sleepy voice along with that mandolin which creeps underneath. Spooky. World music right out of New Zealand. If this is the norm for NZ, I
wanna go.
While 'Crying Shame' is much like the black/blueness of the 80s sound I almost mentioned above. Listen to this at 1 am or after. It is essential you do this to soak in all
of the mystery and creepiness that invigorates this unknown classic. Well, classic might be strong, but it's a song that will stick to your shadow.
I'm still not sure what genre to say, unless 80s-pop-folk. But that's not really right. I'm afraid this is 1 occasion where you can't take my words for it, you've just got to
listen to Robin, who is Well worth the trial. Good acoustic performances. A strangely rich darkness that amazingly Never makes you depressed. How is this possible?
How can he get AWAY with it?? I don't know.
Muses's Muse. Ben Ohmart
**********************************************************************************************************************************
SILK and KNIVES
The second of Robin Kelly`s four CDs presents a kaleidoscope of styles and moods with well-crafted songs that in turn both challenge and inspire. We can relax
and chuckle at his off-beat humour and quaint slant on life in "A lot Like You" and "Take a Break" or be more touched by the gentle thoughts expressed in
"The lonely Child Inside" and the starkly simple "Transformed"
Robins vocal style itself is just as varied. From simple light folk, reminiscent of a Paul Simon sound, in the second track "High and Dry" to the warm mellow-smooth
delivery of the title track, "Broken Bones".
The clarity of his voice makes providing the words inside the CD booklet unnecessary. Instead we are given the inspiration and origin of each song , and hence a
more intimate picture of the man behind the music is revealed.
The last track "Last Night at the Ball" is pure fun but does have a darker edge just under the surface. It leaves us happier and with the sure feeling that Robin Kelly
would be great fun at a party!
However, for me the stand out offering is one that Robin also included on his first CD "Black Ice" .
"I Still Would You Know" has all the elements of the great love song. A ballad that has such expressions of enduring love, devotion and and purity of heart is seldom
heard in modern writing. Mellow and sensitively sung, it ticks all the boxes and has that touch of magic.
Not all numbers on the CD will have universal appeal, but there will for everyone be at least one that in Robins own words, 'Touches the heart, touches the soul"
---Catherine Martelli,
Professional Musician and Teacher,
Distinguished Member of the NZIRMT.
**********************************************************************************************************************************
The second of Robin Kelly`s four CDs presents a kaleidoscope of styles and moods with well-crafted songs that in turn both challenge and inspire. We can relax
and chuckle at his off-beat humour and quaint slant on life in "A lot Like You" and "Take a Break" or be more touched by the gentle thoughts expressed in
"The lonely Child Inside" and the starkly simple "Transformed"
Robins vocal style itself is just as varied. From simple light folk, reminiscent of a Paul Simon sound, in the second track "High and Dry" to the warm mellow-smooth
delivery of the title track, "Broken Bones".
The clarity of his voice makes providing the words inside the CD booklet unnecessary. Instead we are given the inspiration and origin of each song , and hence a
more intimate picture of the man behind the music is revealed.
The last track "Last Night at the Ball" is pure fun but does have a darker edge just under the surface. It leaves us happier and with the sure feeling that Robin Kelly
would be great fun at a party!
However, for me the stand out offering is one that Robin also included on his first CD "Black Ice" .
"I Still Would You Know" has all the elements of the great love song. A ballad that has such expressions of enduring love, devotion and and purity of heart is seldom
heard in modern writing. Mellow and sensitively sung, it ticks all the boxes and has that touch of magic.
Not all numbers on the CD will have universal appeal, but there will for everyone be at least one that in Robins own words, 'Touches the heart, touches the soul"
---Catherine Martelli,
Professional Musician and Teacher,
Distinguished Member of the NZIRMT.
**********************************************************************************************************************************
Logging in at just over 41 minutes the CD kicks things off with “No More Than Lovers Ever know” a catchy upbeat piece that serves up steady rock beat, acoustic
rhythm guitar, and hooky vocal accents from Kelly. Track 2 “The Lady Across the Way” is yet another impressive acoustic-based ballad serving up impressive
Hammond Organ accents, and infectious vocals from Kelly. Track 3 “Running Wild” shifts gears a bit and dishes out an impressive into build, driving rhythm,
passionate vocal building, and impressive solo guitar work. The music itself has a steady acoustic rock/folk vibe reminiscent of Don Mclean, Neil Young, and maybe a
splash of John Denver. It fills the sonic space peacefully, and unobtrusively. The vocal style of Kelly goes down smooth, and is warm, inviting. It has a flair strikingly
similar to John Lennon. His New Zealand, Australian accent is quite appealing, easy to listen to, and stands out in a very positive way. . Kelly also brings to the table a
lot of musical variety from impressive harmonica, Hammond Organ, keyboard, horns, rockability style guitar, and piano accents all layered well within the music.
As the CD slowly unfolds its obvious Robin Kelly is an accomplished singer/songwriter. "Shimmer" delivers 12 songs that are extremely well crafted and consistent.
From upbeat folk melodies like “Bridal Bed”, “By Your Side” and “Time We Were Friends”, to the catchy Caribbean style ballad “I’m not Slipping Away” to easy going
“Lucky Man.” It’s fair to say there’s something on this CD for just about everybody. Shimmer also delivers a few passionate ballads as well - “Somehow” and
“Something I Said” Here we see the true brilliance of Kelly shine thorough. He showcases rich conventional wisdom, with pure honesty via his amazing songwriting
virtuoso. My favorite song on "Shimmer" has got to be “Tears from "Wells Run Dry.” Here Robin Kelly hits it out of the park with a prefect blend of Caribbean style
musicianship, amazing songwriting with catchy vocals and lyrical content. The CD ends with Track 12 “Watching Life (Passing You Buy)" It’s the perfect finale piece!
From start to finish “Shimmer” showcases 12 amazing songs that will uplift your spirit, and transcend your soul. After spending 41 minutes alone with “Shimmer” I
abandoned all hopes of finding any legitimate weaknesses to make note of. “Shimmer” is an impressive musical production from start to finish. Robin Kelly is a world
class singer, songwriter. There’s not a weak song on this entire catalogue period! The musicianship is first rate, the songs ere short and sweet musical experiences,
the mix and master are professional grade. Each song possesses a unique personality, flair, and signature groove to call their own. Lastly - the singing abilities of
Robin Kelly is infectious, and will suck you in mind, body, and soul. Having released 4 CD’s now, New Zealander Robin Kelly is proving to be a force to reckoned with,
and continues to prove himself year after year with an impressive musical catalogue. I guess could go on and on all night about Robin Kelly, you simply have got to
get your hands on some of his music and hear what I am talking about. You should start with “Shimmer” What else can I say - It’s pretty much amazing!
Cyrus Rhodes Indie Music Digest. March 2010
**********************************************************************************************************************************
Something Magical review
Logging in at just under 45 minutes the CD starts things off with “We all let go” a gentle intro piece complete with acoustic guitar, piano, and soothing vocals from
Kelly. Track 2 “Something Magical” serves up yet another impressive track with flowing melody, some impressive string accents providing rich melodic structure. Track
3 “Keep Her Warm” is a passionate marquee ballad, with impressive harmonica solo, and vocal build reminiscent of John Lennon, or Don McLean. The CD makes a
great first impression, its gentle, soothing, and flows extremely well song for song. The music, lyrical content and subject matter is quite uplifting, and is packed full of
hope, and deep conventional wisdom. The musical tones and textures remind me a lot of R.E.M. however Kelly’s vocal style is more folk-mainstream to be considered
Alternative. This music is pure acoustic folk that is sung from a deeply honest perspective. What’s impressive about this CD is the amount of musical variety displayed
on this CD. Some songs will lift your spirits like “The Dusty Road to Eldorado” and “Coming Home Soon”. While other are full of wisdom like “We all let go”. The
defining moments for me musically are the sad but true statements - “Heal our Child” and “For Ever Now” this is where we see the true brilliance of Robin Kelly shine
through. The musicianship of all the players involved is solid. I might add Kelly’s vocal style works – and is unobtrusive, refuses to try to hard, and fills the space
peacefully. Kelly holds his own pretty well on the bare bones acoustic songs quite well - tracks “The Moment” and “The Angel to Your Eyes”. I didn't fail to notice a few
well placed falsettos in there as well. My favorite piece on the entire CD is by far Track 7 “Peace and Understanding.” This amazing love ballad lets it all hang out
serving up sizzling piano, passionate vocal build that will remind you of John Lennon. Something Magical provides rich creativity, with a slew of musical textures and
instrumentation. The CD end with Track 11: “The “Angel in your Eyes” A powerful, emotionally changed final statement that leaves things on a solitary note. Songs
“The Dusty Road to Eldorado” and “Bare Eternity/Out There” tend to drag a bit at the end pushing 15 minutes between them both. Though Kelly’s vocal style goes
down smooth, I really wish he took a few more vocal risks here and there showcasing raw emotion. Emotion that is to powerful to be choreographed. The best artists
can let this all hang out vocally. It can also be done within this context of this genera. Artists like Don McLean, Janis Ian, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell are legends because
they spike the punch wit their amazing vocal touches. Listen to “Yee Haw” (3:07) Track 5 “The Dusty Road to Eldorado” to see how bad it can get. “Peace and
Understanding” comes awfully close to what I am talking about with it's reckless vocal swagger reminiscent of John Lennon. No matter how powerful the music, or the
message, nothing and I repeat nothing will ever trump (Singer to listener) emotional delivery when it comes to song impact. Overall this release from Robin Kelly is
extremely impressive. Its strong suit is his strong musical variety, deep emotional peaks and valleys, and thought provoking subject matter. Kelly's' conventional
wisdom is simply priceless. He tells each story with peaceful tranquility, hope, and pure honesty. When this CD is over you will be dazzled by his wisdom, touched by
his message, and mesmerized by his vocal presence. My hats off to entire the production team as "Something Magical” is clearly an industry standard production. Its
obvious listening to the music of Robin Kelly – he is a traveler with many interesting stories to tell. Robin Kelly is an artist worthy of audience, respect, and praise.
Cyrus Rhodes
Indie Music Digest 2010
**********************************************************************************************************************************
Logging in at just under 45 minutes the CD starts things off with “We all let go” a gentle intro piece complete with acoustic guitar, piano, and soothing vocals from
Kelly. Track 2 “Something Magical” serves up yet another impressive track with flowing melody, some impressive string accents providing rich melodic structure. Track
3 “Keep Her Warm” is a passionate marquee ballad, with impressive harmonica solo, and vocal build reminiscent of John Lennon, or Don McLean. The CD makes a
great first impression, its gentle, soothing, and flows extremely well song for song. The music, lyrical content and subject matter is quite uplifting, and is packed full of
hope, and deep conventional wisdom. The musical tones and textures remind me a lot of R.E.M. however Kelly’s vocal style is more folk-mainstream to be considered
Alternative. This music is pure acoustic folk that is sung from a deeply honest perspective. What’s impressive about this CD is the amount of musical variety displayed
on this CD. Some songs will lift your spirits like “The Dusty Road to Eldorado” and “Coming Home Soon”. While other are full of wisdom like “We all let go”. The
defining moments for me musically are the sad but true statements - “Heal our Child” and “For Ever Now” this is where we see the true brilliance of Robin Kelly shine
through. The musicianship of all the players involved is solid. I might add Kelly’s vocal style works – and is unobtrusive, refuses to try to hard, and fills the space
peacefully. Kelly holds his own pretty well on the bare bones acoustic songs quite well - tracks “The Moment” and “The Angel to Your Eyes”. I didn't fail to notice a few
well placed falsettos in there as well. My favorite piece on the entire CD is by far Track 7 “Peace and Understanding.” This amazing love ballad lets it all hang out
serving up sizzling piano, passionate vocal build that will remind you of John Lennon. Something Magical provides rich creativity, with a slew of musical textures and
instrumentation. The CD end with Track 11: “The “Angel in your Eyes” A powerful, emotionally changed final statement that leaves things on a solitary note. Songs
“The Dusty Road to Eldorado” and “Bare Eternity/Out There” tend to drag a bit at the end pushing 15 minutes between them both. Though Kelly’s vocal style goes
down smooth, I really wish he took a few more vocal risks here and there showcasing raw emotion. Emotion that is to powerful to be choreographed. The best artists
can let this all hang out vocally. It can also be done within this context of this genera. Artists like Don McLean, Janis Ian, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell are legends because
they spike the punch wit their amazing vocal touches. Listen to “Yee Haw” (3:07) Track 5 “The Dusty Road to Eldorado” to see how bad it can get. “Peace and
Understanding” comes awfully close to what I am talking about with it's reckless vocal swagger reminiscent of John Lennon. No matter how powerful the music, or the
message, nothing and I repeat nothing will ever trump (Singer to listener) emotional delivery when it comes to song impact. Overall this release from Robin Kelly is
extremely impressive. Its strong suit is his strong musical variety, deep emotional peaks and valleys, and thought provoking subject matter. Kelly's' conventional
wisdom is simply priceless. He tells each story with peaceful tranquility, hope, and pure honesty. When this CD is over you will be dazzled by his wisdom, touched by
his message, and mesmerized by his vocal presence. My hats off to entire the production team as "Something Magical” is clearly an industry standard production. Its
obvious listening to the music of Robin Kelly – he is a traveler with many interesting stories to tell. Robin Kelly is an artist worthy of audience, respect, and praise.
Cyrus Rhodes
Indie Music Digest 2010
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| Make a One-off Donation to SOS Children Every contribution to the work of our charity, however large or small, helps us care for some of the world’s most vulnerable children. Regular donations help to fund our long term commitments to children in our care. If you feel able to make a regular donation, however small, then we would value this very highly. Please consider sponsoring a child or village for £20 per month or making a smaller regular donation. If you wish to make a one-off donation to help the work of SOS Children, you can do so in the following ways: Online We have a secure online form that takes most major credit cards. Donate Online By post Send a cheque, postal order or CAF voucher (payable to SOS Children) to: SOS Children UK Terrington House 13-15 Hills Road Cambridge CB2 1NL *************************************************************************** ROBIN KELLY at the iTunes store: key word: robin kelly Genre: Acoustic. Folk-Rock Sounds Like: Don McLean, Neil Young, John Lennon Technical Grade: 10/10 Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10 Commercial Value: 10/10 Overall Talent Level: 10/10 Songwriting Skills: 10/10 Performance Skill: 10/10 Best Songs: Tears from Wells Run Dry, Something I Said, Bridal Bed Weakness: None ***************************************************************************** |
| Robin Kelly Website: www.robinkelly.co.nz |
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| Robin Kelly Links: |
| Tennessee Concerts Song Contest |
| RED FLAG! WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH NASHVILLE DRUMMER GARY ALLEN OR HIS PROMOTIONS |
