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Biography |
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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 classic rock band Next Time Around.. He has also been involved with Overall Junction (country rock), The Jack Bros. (Bluegrass), Friends, Strangers & Callgirls (Blues), & What About Eve? (Classic rock). 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.’ 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 recently completed his third full-length album, a completely solo effort in the ‘Springsteen Nebraska’ style, entitled, ‘Hard Luck Highway’. He has done session work & produced albums for others. |
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John’s music has been heard on Central NY radio, including WOUR, WRCK, and WRUN, and as faras WMNF Tampa Florida. John has been a mainstay on the ‘Java Circuit’, performing the stages of Virgo Bat & Leo Phrog’s Coffeehouse, The Black Cow, Happy Endings, et. al. He’s performed at colleges, clubs, family venues, and festivals. These include SUNYIT Utica/Rome, Utica College, The Rock and Roll Preserve (Club Amnesia), Betsy the Barge in Marcy NY, The Lionheart Blues Café in Albany, The Barking Spider in Cleveland, OH, as well as Mountain Jam, SoulFlow, and Harvest Celebration. John has performed in many benefit shows. In fact, a portion of the sales from his Christmas EP, goes 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.” He also contributes music columns to several widely read Central New York newspapers. Besides being a performing musician, John is President of The Utica Music Alliance & Resource Center, Inc. (UMARC). UMARC is a non-profit organization designed to encourage and promote the creation of original music in the Mohawk Valley, help provide musicians with the resources on and for the business of music, as well as expose the public to the art of music. He hosts a monthly Songwriter’s Circle, as well as the weekly Open Mic. Music runs through the heart and soul of John Keller, and he wouldn’t want it any other way. |
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