Funk Soul Brother

posted in: Artist Features • Rock

Brandon Kelley grew up the son of a preacher man in the deep South. When he became a musician, he didn’t rebel against his upbringing and dabble in the dark side, nor did he succumb to it entirely and bring piety into play. Instead, Kelley took his love of gospel and joined it in holy union with his pop sensibilities. What you get with Kelley is soulful, catchy rock, not far off from Jason Mraz or James Morrison. Radio begins with a plaintive piano before breaking into a torrential chorus that lodges itself in your brain after the first listen. Don’t Ignore asks the question we all are wondering: Why are shows like Three’s Company no longer on? Organs, acoustic guitars, an ambling bass and Kelley’s drawled, soulful vocals make for an easy, amiable tune. For funkier, Maroon 5-ish fodder, skip to What I Need where a shuddering organ, wah-wah guitars and percolating bass build a monster groove. Expect big things from this artist. We do.