by Brian D. Holland.

Carry the Light is the new release from Kentucky native Kelly Richey. Though a blues-rocker in essence, one who’s opened for Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and shared the stage with Albert King, Kelly Richey’s style here is more contemporary rock than anything else. Though Carry the Light encircles the blues more than enters it, a blues ambiance persists throughout, especially in her guitar playing approach. It blazes a scorching trail throughout most of the album.

The songs in Carry the Light are appealing, melodic, and wide-ranging from one to the next. Besides the blues influences that are regularly perceptible in her playing, her contemporary influences stand out profoundly, both musically and vocally. In the album's opener, “Leave the Blues Behind,” she sings about the obstacles in life, saying, “Sometimes you gotta leave the blues behind.” Ironically enough, that lyrical sentiment can easily be linked to her approach on this album. One noted similarity is the song’s Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders funky flow.

Listen to "Leave the Blues Behind" from Carry the Light

An appealing guitar riff solidifies the drive in “I Want You”. Both the bridge solo and the crunchy bottom evoke a style reminiscent of the Wilson sisters and Heart. The double-tracked vocal throughout adds nicely to the all-around effect. Speaking of the Wilson sisters, “What In The World” evokes a Heart-like ballad essence as well, and it’s a very beguiling and pleasant-sounding song. The album’s title song, “Carry the Light,” is a blatant rocker from the onset, as it begins with a steamy lead-guitar riff that continues throughout. Solid riffs are an aspect of many of the songs on the album, rock ballads as well. “Time For A Change” highlights everything about the band: a solid rhythm section behind a dazzling guitarist with versatile vocal aptitude. The guitar playing is extremely bluesy in this one.

A melding of classic rock, funk, and blues-rock styles, the songs on Carry the Light are diverse in melody and extremely appealing, making for a solid effort from the Kelly Richey trio.

Carry the Light Track Listing
1. Leave The Blues Behind
2. I Want You
3. What In The World
4. Carry The Light
5. Angela’s Song
6. Jericho Road
7. Run Like Hell
8. When All Is Said And Done
9. No More Lies
10. Looking For A Fight
11. Time For A Change

Sweet Lucy Records

Kelly Richey: guitar and vocals
Jimmy Valdez: bass
Shane Frye: drums

Links
Kelly Richey
Purchase Carry the Light on Amazon