A native of Utica, New York, John Keller had begun playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager. Since that time, he has honed his skills to become a well-received performer/songwriter, as well as a sideman with several musical projects.
John Keller is currently singer/guitarist with the John Keller Trio, performing mostly original music. He is also a member of CNY's premier classic punk band, Rialda & The PissAntics.
His talents are best reflected in his solo ventures, which the Rome Observer defined as “lively...original musical art.”
His CD releases include, ‘Words We Say, Words We Read’ (2000), the 4 track ‘The Christmas EP’ (2001), and ‘Grazin’ at the Margins’ and a second Christmas EP, 'Christmas Dreams (2010). Each contain fan favorites i.e. “Age of Modern Man”, “Don’t Walk Away”, “The Light”, and “Make Me Believe.”
The Rome Observer described the music as “... a mixture of bluegrass fronting a breath of chunky blues, love ballads and Americana folk tunes.” His vocals have been thought of as “... swinging from Dr. John’s growl to (Roy) Orbison’s vocal caress...” And quoting from The Life and Times of Oneida County, “...intriguing vocals... circumscribe the refined arrangements...his guitar creates rich and resonant melodies...”
John's third full-length album, ‘Hard Luck Highway,’ was a completely solo effort, which had ExMogul.com quote - "Comparisons to Springsteen’s “Nebraska” have been drawn, and they are accurate. The songs are minimal in instrumentation, accompanying himself in an up-close-and-personal style, with excellent folksy acoustic guitar work by Keller. It reminds me of 70s-era David Crosby”
The most recent release, "Captive Audio", is a return to the full band sound complete with violin, steel drums and sax.
Currently, he has been recording a multi-album 'labor of love' project, to be released early 2012.
He has done session work & produced albums for others.
John’s music has been heard on Central NY radio, including WOUR, WRCK, and WVOA/Syracuse, plus stations in MA & CT and as far as WMNF Tampa Florida. In the Fall of 2008, one song, 'Travis', was the most requested song for two weeks on Belgian radio.
John has been a mainstay on the ‘Java Circuit’, performing the stages of The Tramontane Cafe/Utica, Taste Budd's/Red Hook, Professor Java's/Albany, et. al. He’s also performed at colleges, clubs, family venues, and festivals. These have included SUNYIT Utica/Rome, Westmoreland CCC/PA, The Sportsman Tavern/Buffalo, Emack & Bolio's Ice Cream Parlour/Albany, Micro Theater/Pittsfield, MA , The Barking Spider in Cleveland, OH, as well as Mountain Jam, Utica Music & Arts Fest, Clinton Art & Music Festival, and Harvest Celebration.
John has performed in numerous benefit shows. In fact, a portion of the sales from his first Christmas EP, was donated to the American Red Cross.
John organized the Acoustic Showcase series held at the Rock and Roll Preserve, which helped promote local musicians.
He appears in Jennifer Perez’s award winning indie documentary “60 Minutes of Freedom - A Revolution Through Music.”
His music also appears in a couple of director Michael Patrei's short films.
He has also contributed music columns to several widely read Central New York newspapers. Currently, he writes a column, "The Music Never Stops", on www.mohawkvalleyliving.com
Besides being a performing musician, John has been President of The Utica Music Alliance & Resource Center, Inc. (UMARC). UMARC, a non-profit organization designed to encourage and promote the creation of original music in the Mohawk Valley.
He hosts a Songwriter’s Circle at The Tramontane Cafe, as well as the weekly Open Mic in Rome, NY.
When not performing, John owns & runs a vintage record shop on Utica, Off-Center Records.
Music runs through the heart and soul of John Keller, and he wouldn’t want it any other way.
~Media quotes~
"Keller is a master guitar player and his skills are on display here. ...Great rhythms and melodies...delvering riffs with characteristic flair." Jeremiah - BlueFrogMusic.com

“(He) pulls you in with pop branded Americana/folk sound as Keller’s honest vocals captivate you and make you pay attention. ...Tracks that show off Keller’s great guitar work, signifying his passion, makes for a true, from the heart album...” Jeffery Kurtis - Today's Country Magazine

“(John has) a singer/songwriter sense of passion, a connection between himself & what he's singing about, whether it's autobiographical or a lyric put together from other sources, dreams, etc., this is personal.”
Taxi.com

“Soulful singing lifts even the most down-trodden spirits. His voice is what stands out, he makes the transition between a heavy, southern drawl to a soft, melodic touch... a caressing of the eardrums. His guitar play is exceptional and combines blues, jazz, & country into a fluid sound of harmony.” Ken Polisse - Life & Times

“...Keller's sound is his own...Distill(s) the various elements of his style down to the barest of essentials and make them more accessible. ...Unassuming and pleasurable listen. You'll be humming along to the songs on this disc. 7/10” Alan Shulman - No Rip Cord

“Keller... has created numerous musical opportunities... (His) commitment to fostering original music is evident on his newest CD.”
Cassaundra Baber - Observer-Dispatch