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CD REVIEW: Kelly Pettit - These Days

"Amazing"

"Pettit is an artist to watch in 2011"

- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST-

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Artist: Kelly Pettit
Album: These Days
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.kellypettit.com
Genre: Acoustic Pop, Indie Rock
Sounds Like: Train, Live, Rob Thomas
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: You, The Melody, These Days, Airplane
Weakness: NONE

CD REVIEW:

Acoustic Singer/Songwriter Kelly Pettit releases his latest album entitled “These Days” in 2010. He hails from Japan though I get the impression he is a world traveler of sorts.

The CD quickly takes to flight with “She Shines” a song that serves up driving rock rhythm against well placed grooves and hooky vocal melodies that peaks and valleys its way to fruition. Track 2 “I Remember” shifts gears a bit with a steady flowing acoustic guitar intro, eventually lending itself into full tilt vocal passion from Pettit with a catchy chorus. This piece is quite strong with its demonstrating impressive vocal delivery and nice finale ending. Track 3 shifts gears back down another notch with “Into Your Sea,” an easy flowing ditty with it’s soothing folksy vibe, infectious melody and impressive lyrical content. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical soundscapes reminiscent of such classic acts such as Live, Train, and even Rob Thomas. The music itself is an impressive modern blend of acoustic rock, with folksy-type elements, yet with alternative rock aftertaste. The musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Along the way you will notice lush instrumentation with things like impressive solo guitar, lush harmonies, cello, percussive elements, horns and even mandolin. Turning our attention squarely on Pettit now, he has an impressive voice reminiscent of Ed Kowalczyk (Live), Greg Schindel (Train) and a dash of classic Paul Simon. Pettit makes the (Singer to listener) connection as he takes several impressive vocal risks throughout the CD indicating to me a song and confident vocal ability. His emotional timber and mojo is off the charts as he is obviously singing from the heart on many of these pieces. He has the look, he plays guitar and he has a good voice. If he just so happened to write all these songs – well, he may be bigger than any of us realize. Indeed Pettit possesses star quality and should be considered a premier talent. The songwriting is rock solid and provides a lot of musical variety along the way, with a bold honest assessment of life and love. I can honestly say I was entertained the entire time, with never a dull moment to be found. Note for note and song for song – “These Days” is an impressive musical production from start to finish. There is not a weak song in this catalogue. By track 5 you are a believer. From upbeat “Stay”, My Happy Mistake, and “These Days” to powerful “You, the Melody”, striking “Airplane” and hard hitting “Gun in my Hand” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “What Have I Done” which is the perfect song to wave you in for a smooth landing.

I usually dedicate this paragraph to weaknesses. As you can see I have nothing to report.

From start to finish “These Days” is an amazing collection of music. In fact it’s one of the best CD’s to come across my desk this year. The music is highly passionate, uplifting, and extremely entertaining. Kelly's songwriting is world class, consistently taking you on musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. There isn’t really a weak piece in this entire catalogue. The writing and playing abilities of Kelly Pettit are rock solid, the melodies and harmonies are well crafted, and the lyrical content is packed to the hilt with conventional wisdom. Pettit is an artists to watch in 2011. Last but not least the vocal presence of Kelly is world-class. I look forward to hearing more material from Kelly Pettit soon.

Cyrus Rhodes

Read the exclusive Kelly Pettit Interview