look: The Kelly Richey Band - Speechless - Sweet Lucy Records, 2006 - BUY

listen:

Only the Bird Knows

Stand Alone

Without a Trace

buy:

Kelly Richey is a guitar player's guitar player. Since a young age she has been perfecting her craft and as any guitarist will tell you, you never stop learning. On the all instrumental Speechless, Richey lets her guitar do the talking as she guides her band through the nine tracks ranging from the full-on frontal assault of One Day We'll Feel the Sun to the acoustic styling on Only the Bird Knows. The three piece power trio featuring Richey on guitar (and normally vocals), Jimmy Valdez (bass), and David Clawson (drums) bring years of experience together in one great band.

Not relying on a stage full of effects pedals, Richey makes full use of her natural ability instead of covering up mediocre talent with effects as so many guitarists are guilty of. While I miss her vocals, this CD could be listed as a study guide for aspiring young guitarists. Most songs here are straight forward blues/rock, but Richey doesn't allow it to fall into the endless droning "Gee, this song sounds just like the last song" rut. Variation, even the slightest, bring a fresh sound and that's the key the band found here.

While The Kelly Richey Band has yet to make the jump to the household name recognition status, after relentless touring they have developed a cult like following that will propel her to the level she and the band deserves to be at.

(©) 2006, Tim Richards
BluesSource.com