James Kelly has been playing, recording and writing music across an uber broad palette of tasty musical genres across all of Australia over last 30 years, not including stints throughout Europe, The UK and Ireland.

​

His influences offer a myriad gumbo of eclecticism that astonishes seasoned fellow musicians and informed fans alike. On any given tune, James can weave lines as disparate as Miles Davis, Tom Waits, The Beatles, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Steve Earle, Frank Zappa, The Staples Singers, Howlin Wolf amongst a tonne of likewise nuanced, greasy and dangerous Rock’n’roll.

​

Whilst primarily a lead guitarist and perfect team player or sideman, James also enjoys solo acoustic performances. It’s in this setting that his virtuosity finds a happy medium between the delicate intimacy of the acoustic timbre and the weaving of lead and rhythm lines that encapsulate an all-around command of the song without excess adornment.

​

Rather than batter a tune into submission through flash and thunder, Kelly is more interested in a song’s ability to tell a narrative that speaks to the human condition. Be that a simple folk, blues or country tune or a hybrid Americana/Classic Rock, New Wave landmarks or even Jazz or classically influenced arrangements.

​

A great song is a conduit into universal truths and rich emotional landscapes. When such lightning is captured in a bottle, it’s emotional and cultural value lasts for time immemorial.

 

This is where Kelly lives, breathes…and thrives.

Be it the intimate platform of a small niche bar, raucous classic pub gig or a corporate event, Kelly’s ease with and mastery of disparate genres offers a total command of any approach required. James can deliver the artistic and contemporary technical professionalism across all these live fields. So there’s (usually) no need for clients to supply expensive PA systems or sound mixers etc.

His professionalism also allows him to encompass live set lists selections if requested.

To book James, contact him at thatjameskelly@gmail.com or 0456 630 955.

​

​