Dave Keller - You Get What You Give: Duets

Size: 130,9 MB
Time: 56:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2020
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Front

01. One More Tear (Feat. Annika Chambers) (3:17)
02. That Thing We Do (Feat. Carly Harvey) (5:51)
03. You Get What You Give (Feat. Annie Mack) (4:00)
04. The Evil That Men Do (Feat. Annie Mack, Annika Chambers, Johnny Rawls, Trudy Lynn) (5:41)
05. Scratchin' At Your Door (Feat. Joe Louis Walker) (5:28)
06. Your Kind Of Fool (Feat. Trudy Lynn) (3:06)
07. God Is Love / Love Is Everything (Feat. Dawn Tyler Watson) (3:41)
08. The Spark (4:49)
09. Make It To Tomorrow (Feat. Chad Hollister) (4:51)
10. Land Of The Lonely (Feat. Johnny Rawls) (3:01)
11. Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Feat. Brother Bob White) (5:12)
12. The Kiss I Want (Feat. Katie Henry) (4:11)
13. I'm Gonna Let It Shine (Feat. Toussaint St. Negritude) (3:09)

While showing the influence of his mentors (Johnny Rawls, Mighty Sam McClain, Ronnie Earl), Keller's individuality shines. Deep soul singing, fiery guitar work, meaningful songs with addictive choruses. Like a younger generation Robert Cray, Keller mixes the power of soul and blues, drawing the listener into his world, and leaving him or her richer for the experience.

You Get What You Give: Duets MP3
You Get What You Give: Duets FLAC

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Dave Keller - Live At The Killer Guitar Thriller

Size: 181,4 MB
Time: 77:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2020
Styles: Blues Soul, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Slow Train (Live) (5:35)
02. Steppin' Out (Live) (3:31)
03. My Younger Days - Moanin' For Molasses (Live) (6:08)
04. 17 Years (Live) (4:26)
05. Heart On A String (Live) (4:13)
06. Right Back Atcha (Live) (3:54)
07. Every Soul's A Star (Live) (3:03)
08. Kiss Me Like You Miss Me (Live) (3:34)
09. As The Years Go Passing By (Live) (7:58)
10. Don't Let Them Take Your Joy (Live) (4:05)
11. All Night Long (Live) (8:15)
12. It's All In Your Eyes (Live) (3:48)
13. Are You Going Where I'm Coming From (Live) (4:02)
14. This Time I'm Gone For Good (Live) (8:30)
15. Hot Tamale Baby (Live) (6:44)

Personnel:
Dave Keller: Vocals, Guitar
Alex Budney: Bass
Jay Gleason: Drums

The Bucks County Blues Society Spring Fever Footstomper has been an annual event since its first appearance in 1981 with Luther Allison as headliner. The 2019 event was another in an occasional series “Killer Guitar Thriller” which premiered in 1983 with headliner Matt “Guitar” Murphy.
Acclaimed soul-blues singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave Keller made the long trek from Vermont with his tight and versatile rhythm section of bassist Alex Budney and drummer Jay Gleason. The boisterous audience was treated to a scintillating set that skillfully combined eight diverse songs from artists like Albert King, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Syl Johnson, Candi Staton, Clifton Chenier, and O.V. Wright (one of Keller's major inspirations), with seven originals including four from Every Soul Is a Star, a 2019 Blues Music Award Nominee for Best Soul-Blues Album.
A trio that performs in the soul-blues genre has to lock into an infectious groove early to get the dancers onto the floor and keep them there, as Keller and his cohorts did with energy and exuberance.
This fully live recording captures the raw joy and intensity of that Sunday afternoon's performance. Kick back and listen, and you'll be there too. ~Thomas J. Cullen III

Live At The Killer Guitar Thriller MP3
Live At The Killer Guitar Thriller FLAC

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Dave Keller - Every Soul's A Star

Size: 98,7 MB
Time: 42:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Full

01. Don't Let Them Take Your Joy (3:38)
02. Every Soul's A Star (3:33)
03. Baby, I Love You (4:27)
04. Old Tricks (3:40)
05. You Bring The Sunshine (4:34)
06. Freedom Is Ours (3:13)
07. This Is Gonna Hurt (3:04)
08. It's All In Your Eyes (3:36)
09. Kiss Me Like You Miss Me (3:27)
10. When Are You Gonna Cry (5:23)
11. Ain't Givin' In (3:30)

Catfood Records announces the release of “Every Soul’s A Star,” the label debut from acclaimed blues/soul singer and guitarist Dave Keller. Produced by Grammy award winner, Jim Gaines (Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Luther Allison), and recorded primarily at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, TX, “Every Soul’s A Star” showcases ten original songs, plus a scintillating cover of the Aretha Franklin classic, ‘Baby, I Love You.’ Keller’s soulful vocals are ably supported by The Rays, which include not only legendary Motown guitarist Johnny McGee, but also Bob Trenchard – bass; Dan Ferguson - Hammond B3, Wurlitzer, keyboards; Richy Puga – drums; Mike Middleton – trumpet; Nick Flood - tenor and baritone sax, plus the heavenly voices of Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston - background vocals; and Christopher Serrano – percussion. Catfood label head Bob Trenchard calls Dave Keller, “The most-talented songwriter I've ever worked with, and it was he who suggested Jim Gaines to produce the new project.”

“This record, for me, is about honoring the star in each person,” Dave Keller says. “The songs are about both love and heartbreak, of course, but also speak about the beauty in each of us, as unique individuals and as people standing up together. This record feels like my strongest yet. I felt more at ease singing than I've ever felt in the studio. That comfort helped me sing more dynamically than I've ever sung before on record.”

“Every Soul’s A Star” is also the first time Keller had the chance to work with the Catfood Records’ house band, The Rays, comprised of all superb musicians with a boatload of experience backing up many of the label’s artists on record, including Blues Music Award-winner Johnny Rawls. “What really impressed me about The Rays was how much heart they put into this record,” Keller declares. “I love how everyone put so much of themselves into the record. I could tell that they really dug the songs, and really cared about doing them justice. I love how you can hear all their individual ideas on the record, and feel their personalities, their souls, and yet everything is in service to the songs.”

“It was a special treat working with Johnny McGhee, who has played guitar on countless great soul albums,” continues Keller. “He started out as a kid – only 12 years old – touring with The Five Stairsteps, and ended up in the band LTD. To each of my songs, Johnny brought the coolest, most perfect little soul licks. He has an amazing ability to find just the right licks and riffs that pull the song together into something perfect.”

Keller is equally effusive in his praise of producer Jim Gaines. “Jim Gaines is a magician. He really listened to my songs, really got into the meaning of the lyrics, and was able to help me and the band bring them alive with the most heart possible. He's an expert at making songs really shine. I felt blessed to get to work with him.”

Keller also has a special place in his heart for Johnny Rawls, who introduced him to Catfood Records owner and bassist Bob Trenchard about five years ago at the Blues Music Awards. “Bob and I had a conversation then about making a record together, but it took ‘til now for the time to be just right,” Keller recalls. “As my friend the late Mighty Sam McClain used to say, ‘It may not happen when you want it, but it always happens right on time.’”

Recording in Texas was a new cultural experience for Keller, a native New Englander. “Working at Sonic Ranch was really fun. I'd never been to West Texas, so it was a real adventure for me. From the kindness of the ladies who made us breakfast and lunch every day, to the heat – 105 degrees the day I arrived -- to the giant Tarantula Hawks (a kind of wasp) that hovered in the bushes outside the studio. All the little details inspired and energized me.”

Every Soul's A Star MP3
Every Soul's A Star FLAC

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Dave Keller - Right Back Atcha

Size: 118,1 MB
Time: 50:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Blues Soul
Art: Front

01. It's Time You Made Up Your Mind (3:42)
02. 2 Am Talks (3:19)
03. Right Back Atcha (3:41)
04. Deeper Than The Eye Can See (4:46)
05. Forever Summer (4:02)
06. Slow Train (4:02)
07. Circles (6:29)
08. She's Just Katie (4:12)
09. Urgent (I'll Give It All) (3:25)
10. What's It Gonna Take (4:41)
11. Willing To Learn (4:40)
12. You Make It Easy (3:19)

Vermonter Dave Keller has earned Blues Music Awards for each of his previous releases. 2014’s devastatingly powerful break-up record, Soul Changes, chronicled a difficult period of Dave’s life. This one almost had to show his upbeat side and, fortunately, it glows with positivity. Unlike his two previous recordings, done with veteran studio musicians, Dave went to his road band and produced the record himself. As I’ve said on these pages before, Dave is a real deal soul man and tasteful guitarist. Just ask Johnny Rawls, for whom Dave is often a bandleader, or Ronnie Earl, for whom Dave has contributed vocals. Rawls sums it up probably better than I can in much fewer words, “Put it to you like this,” Rawls says, “Some people got it and some people don’t. Dave Keller got it.”

With 11 new original songs and one rather obscure soul cover, Dave does it in his self-described ‘old school’ way. “For a long time I’ve wanted to make a record with my guys. We’ve played together for over ten years, and know each other inside out.” So, with his band as the foundation Dave brought in The Mo’ Sax Horns, a couple of backup singers, and even a string section for three songs. As he usually does, he draws the song material from his own life experiences – usually those that most of us can relate to. The choruses and hooks will often get you singing along right with him.

Keller’s powerful, honest vocals were shaped partly through mentorship with the late, great Mighty Sam McClain while his guitar work sometimes shows glimpses of his guitar mentors, Ronnie Earl, and Robert Ward, who played with Wilson Pickett. Yet, at this point in his career, Keller is clearly his own man, vibrant in his own environment, having recorded the album in Vermont. Each track is strong but highlights have to include these: “2 AM Talks,” the memorable ballad, “Deeper Than the Eye Can See.” “Forever Summer,” which adds just a touch of country, “Circles” which is notable for its stripped-down sound and “She’s Just Katie,” which has some lyrics that describe his girlfriend in a fun, clever way. Notably, the tenor sax solos on three tunes (“It’s Time You Made Up Your Mind,” “Slow Train” and “Willing to Learn”) are from Joe Moore, who toured with Wilson Pickett during the peak soul days of the late 1960s.

There are many blue-eyed soul men far better known than Keller. Not many can match his feeling. His soul can send chills through you. Hopefully, this time around, Keller will break through and win a BMA. He deserves it. ~Jim Hynes

MP3
Right Back Atcha
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Dave Keller - 2 albums: Play For Love / Where I'm Coming From

Album: Play For Love
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:11
Size: 117.2 MB
Styles: Blue-eyed soul, R&B, Blues vocals
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:36] 1. Here I Am
[2:55] 2. Give It A Rest
[2:42] 3. Take Your Time
[5:25] 4. Play For Love
[3:49] 5. Something's Gotta Give
[4:26] 6. Only Place I'm Going (Is Down)
[5:20] 7. I Was No Angel
[2:52] 8. The Golden Bird
[4:46] 9. It's Only Human
[3:55] 10. To The City
[3:32] 11. With God On My Side
[3:43] 12. All Souls Are Built For Flying
[4:04] 13. Gabriella

When you think of soul, blues, and R&B, what places come to mind? Memphis? Chicago? New Orleans? How about Vermont? No? Well Dave Keller is trying to change that.

Currently based in Montpelier, VT, Keller leads a blues trio and a six-piece soul band, as well as performing solo. He has paid his dues the old fashioned way -- spending over 1,000 nights singing and playing his heart out. At sweaty, dirt road bars. At swanky ski saloons. At huge summer festivals. At jam-packed dance clubs, city halls, college theaters, prison gymnasiums, and blues cruises. You name it. Chances are Keller has played there. And chances are those audiences still remember dancing like crazy to his deep soul singing, his gritty guitar licks, and his super-tight, super-funky band.

His CD, Play for Love, released November 2007, shows his growth as a songwriter, singer and musician. Covering a range of topics, both personal and political, Keller has released his most personal recording yet. The CD's thirteen songs are inspired by blues and soul, but don't fit easily into either category. The band on the CD includes Jan Schultz (Fender bass) and Brett Hoffman (drums) from Keller's blues trio, as well as Hammond organ whiz Ira Friedman. Early press has been quite good, with The Montpelier Bridge noting Keller's "inspired lyrics", "masterful guitar work", and "the jewel...his voice."

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Album: Where I'm Coming From
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:42
Size: 93.2 MB
Styles: Blue-eyed soul, R&B, Blues vocals
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:36] 1. More Than I Can Stand
[4:03] 2. Steppin' Out
[3:30] 3. If I Ever Got You Back
[3:38] 4. The Things We Have To Do
[2:54] 5. That's The Way I Want To Live My Life
[3:40] 6. Are You Going Where I'm Coming From
[2:23] 7. Too Weak To Fight
[3:10] 8. Strictly Reserved For You
[3:06] 9. Baby Please Come Back Home
[2:48] 10. Pouring Water On A Drowning Man
[3:51] 11. You Hurt Me For The Last Time
[3:57] 12. If It's Really Got To Be This Way

It is clear that, with his last "Where I'm comin' from", singer-guitarist Dave Keller wants to put himself definitively into the legion of blue-eyed soul men around. Compared to his previous selfpenned effort, this release shows a great musicianship, an increasing attention to arrangements and production and a full-body sound due to a tight and punctual horn section. Musically speaking, all seems to work well here and sure it does. So, what's sometimes wrong with this outing? To me, it is Keller's voice which doesn't seem to have enough strength to be a serious contender to other members of contemporary soul music kingdom. This fact is evident here and there throughout the whole set where his thin voice struggles to elevate above an adequate level; but expecially on the cover of Robert Cray "Steppin' out", the limits reveal themselves. This cover version tries really hard to follow the original one on both the singing and the guitar solo parts. But Cray's soulful, perfectly modulated voice as well as his singular guitar skills and language are too personal and unique that I just can't immagine who on earth could ever be able to reach and duplicate in a believable way. Although thanks to the duet with Trè Williams the right spice and some thrills are added on "The things we have to do", the rest of the material just scratches the surface, but doesn't leave permanent marks. If you look for something real deep and some gut-bucket soul singing, I'm afraid you'd better look elsewhere; Tad Robinson, Darrel Nulisch, Billy Price, Mike Ferris, Amyl Justin (to name a few of those blue-eyed singers) would do better for you. ~Giovanni Robino

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Dave Keller - Soul Changes

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 43:46
Size: 100.2 MB
Styles: Memphis blues, Soul-blues
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:10] 1. Searchin' For A Sign
[4:11] 2. 17 Years
[4:18] 3. Old Man's Lullabye
[4:20] 4. I Wish We'd Kissed
[3:04] 5. Lonely And I
[4:45] 6. One More Time
[3:17] 7. It's Too Strong
[3:36] 8. Back In Love Again
[3:34] 9. Don't Look Back
[4:11] 10. Heart On A String
[4:17] 11. Is It Over

With top producer Bob Perry (Wu-Tang Clan, 50 Cent, Brian McKnight, Foxy Brown, The Revelations), Keller headed to Memphis to record his original songs at hallowed ground -- Willie Mitchell's Royal Recording -- where Al Green and others worked their magic in the late 60s and early 70s. The stars aligned perfectly, and Keller was joined by some of the greatest soul musicians of all time.

SOUL CHANGES features the legendary Hi Rhythm Section (Teenie Hodges on guitar, Leroy Hodges on bass, and Charles Hodges on organ), who backed Al Green on all his hits, and who played on hits by Ann Peebles ("I Can't Stand the Rain"), Otis Clay, Syl Johnson, and Keller's personal fave, O.V. Wright. Adding fuel to the soul fire are ace Stax guitarist Bobby Manuel (who replaced Steve Cropper in Booker T and the MGs), and master Stax arranger and keyboardist Lester Snell (member of The Isaac Hayes Movement).

SOUL CHANGES marks not only a high water mark in Keller's recording career, but also marks major life changes. The song “17 Years” perhaps best describes these changes, outlining the end of Keller's marriage in terms that many adults will understand all too well. Co-written with master songwriter Darryl Carter (“Woman's Gotta Have It”, “Blind Crippled and Crazy”, “More Than I Can Stand”), the song earned the praise of the great Bobby “Blue” Bland, who spent time in the studio with Keller.

Soul Changes

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