Thank you so much for sending me "Come To This"....I
really enjoyed it!!!! My favorite tracks are "Come To This",
"Woman's Love", "Train"...ALL....no weak moments....absolutely
GREAT CD!!!!!.will be airing on my shows.
RADIO "EMS-VECHTE-WELLE", GERMANY,
FM 95.6 / 95.2 / 99.3 Host - Gerd Stassen"
Love your "Come To This" CD. You and
the group have a unique sound and lots to say, definitely worth
sharing with my listeners. PAUL FIELDS
- THE BLUE JAZZMAN RADIO SHOW "EVERYDAY I HAVE THE BLUES"
L.A. Blues With Attitude -
The cover of Come To This shows a hound dog in sunglasses hanging out in the Hollywood hills. Indeed, Kelly's Lot hails from the Los Angeles area, where it has made a name on the local Roots music scene. Fans of last year's excellent Coercion Street by singer-songwriter Ernie Payne will recall the brilliant contributions of guitarist Rob Zucca. Zucca also plays lead guitar for Kelly's Lot, which gives some hint about where this CD lives geographically, if not musically. Rounding out the band behind singer Kelly Zirbes are Perry Robertson on rhythm guitar, Mark Drews on bass, Bryan Celano on drums, and Bill Johnston on saxophone. The funky, jazzy sound of the band bears his mark in particular. Cut after cut, he supplies sweet, liquid tenor and alto soloing and accompaniment.
As a front woman, Kelly Z (as she's called on the CD insert) has what it takes to carry a band far less talented than her own. Her voice is cocky, cool, full of don't-mess-with-me attitude, but seductive and sympathetic just the same. Oddly, there are no songwriting credits on the CD, still I'd guess the lyrics are hers, judging from the passion and conviction of her singing - as on the title track, on which she vents her frustration at an incommunicative, couch potato partner: "I can't believe I live today with a man who's got nothing to say/Pass the salt, pass the milk, pass the bread/I feed the kids, do the wash, make the bed ..." It's not all bitching, though. The closer, "Today," is a song of affirmation, upbeat without being cloying.
The seven tracks clock in at an average of 5 ½ minutes, but clever pacing keeps them from growing stale. "Woman's Love" is a sensitive slow Blues on which the singer's brash vocal is coupled with Johnston's snaky sax. They sustain the seething tension for close to eight minutes. "Happy Girl" provides the CD with a thick, chunky middle that boogies, while "Take This Heart" and the aforementioned "Today" have more of a Folk-Rock flavor to them. The band does it all well and there's not a weak song or tossed off arrangement in the bunch.
Broad-minded L.A. Blues fans will want to check local listings to find out where to catch this outfit live. The rest of us will have to make do with this fine CD.
Vincent Abbate from BluesWax Magazine"
You are worth every megabit of space that your
music uses on my Shuffle. I really think your band is great. I hope
your next CD is as great as your last two. -Rich
(Chicago, IL)
I found your webiste on here a few minutes ago and I keep finding
myself returning to your page to listen to your music. Its too bad your
on the other side of the United States from me. If you ever make it to
Tennessee I will definately be there. Keep up the great music. I look
forward to hearing more.Jeff
(Myspace.com)
Love it! Love the blues! Love yous! Keep on ROCKIN' I'm a New Fan
Racey - Myspace.com Racey
(Myspace.com)
I have been spreading your (Kelly's Lot) fame
here in India. All who hear your songs love them instantly, and
ask to hear more! See you when I return. Take care, Dilip
(India)
Thank you for making my day brighterTyler
(Mammoth, CA)
We went on to the Universal Bar and Grill afterwards
to attend the Hepatitic C Benefit Kelly's Lot put on. Which was
great. The place was packed. Kelly and consorts were on stage rocking
out when we got there. And as I've said numerous times before, even
if I sound like a broken record: Kelly's Lot rocks rocks rocks"......
good time fun loving foot stomping, energizing blues/rock with a
touch of funk ever so often.. this recipe never fails to ignite
the audience.
Shredmistress
Rynata of FemMuse.com
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"There's not a bad track amongst this bunch",
"More than definitely worth your time to listen"
HEARD MAGAZINE, Australia
"Your music makes me feel 30 years younger"
- Don, Long Beach
Heard you on "Sounds from the New West" Great Music!
- D.H., IRELAND
The latest release by Los Angeles based, blues rock band, Kelly's
Lot, "Come To This", laced with intricate arrangements,
powerful vocals and stunning solos, is their best CD yet. All doubt
about whether or not Kelly's Lot is best blues-rock band in Los
Angeles is wiped away by their latest release, "Come To This".
- SCOTT DETWEILER www.nohoartsdistrict.com
"Trio" is pick of the month over at IndependentSongwriter.com"...Take
the full bluesy rocking sound of Kelly's Lot and reduce it to an
intimate trio effect and you have an idea of what this latest offering
is all about. But make no mistake, this album may be less volumatic
but it possesses the same raw signature sound of Kelly's Lot written
over every single track. Delicious enough to ask for seconds......nay,
thirds." -
INDEPENDENTSONGWRITER.COM
"It
might be unfair to try to draw too close a comparison, even on the
level of titles or general theme, with Janis, but this lady pumps
out some awesome blues vocals with the support of some fine musicians
that sends a shiver or two up my spine. Great stuff! " -
ECLECTIC CONNECTION RADIO STATION
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Wow, your cd kicks ass. After I win the lottery, I'll be getting
you a fully tuxed stage band for the video on Woman's Love with
artsy fartsy shots morphing you into running the marathon, running
your favorite haunts, down an empty 405, down a parking lot 405
on the car hoods, beach, snow, etc. ciao, Slim
Hola Kelly Z!!!!! THANK YOU
VERY MUCH for "Come to This"!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I hear
it everyday and I like it more and more!!!!!!!!! I like all the
songs!!!!! And your voice is very powerful and sexy!!!
- Guillermo from Santa Fe city, Argentina
My word, woman! Your new CD
is amazing. I LOVE Strong Girl and Come to This. Your voice is
amazing and on one song has a very celtic sound. You break the
mold, Kelly. Thanks for sharing your music with me! -
Joan Enguita (Lancaster, CA)
Great Sax.....Edgy & Raw Vocals has a definite Janis Joplin
feel to it. Which is great...can't go wrong there!!!! Love Janis!!!
Deadset I'm impressed!!! Would love to hear more...Cheers! -
Kat MP3.com Australia
"You should bottle your energy and sell it!" -
Deby (Van Nuys, CA)
I've been listening to your
CD almost every day at work. There's few CDs out there that I
can listen to all day and not get sick of, and yours is one of
them. Your lyrics are great. You the bomb mama! -
Grace Holmes (Los Angeles, CA)
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If you like blues, I recommend it. If you like rock, I recommend
it. If you like strong female vocalists that sound comfortable with
the lyrics, I recommend it. - Lei Lani
(Hampton, Virginia)
I have your CD in my car at all times - Love it! -
genie (santa monica, ca)
"Kelly's Lot is a great
album to listen to while having a few friends over for a couple
of beers. - Mixdown Magazine (Seattle,
WA)
"Come
To This", produced by Kelly's Lot own rhythm guitar player/writer,
Perry Robertson, it is a tightly arranged, superbly performed album
of original songs that burn with white, hot blues intensity and
sensual energy. Perry manages to fully capture the band: brass,
vocals, guitars and percussion, in a balanced and complete format.
The
recording is full, clear, rich and strong. If you have ever heard
a poorly recorded blues-rock, or jazz CD, such as the thin sounding
debut CD by the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, for example (where you can
hear the band just dying to crawl through the tinny production)
you will appreciate what Perry has done with Kelly's Lot. Poor production
of a great band is always a tragedy, but there is no tragedy here.
Kelly's Lot is known for their superior musicianship.
Kelly
Z, the vocalist, sings in a rich style and delivers her performance
as if it is the last time she will ever sing. She especially shines
on the third cut, "Woman's Love". She is a strong singer
and personality and brings a beautiful balance to the band, between
blues, jazz and rock. Perry Robertson (also the producer, don't
forget) is an exceptional rhythm guitarist. Together with the bassist
Mark Drews and drummer Bryan Celano, they form one of the best rhythm
sections you will ever hear. They play well together and provide
the foundation for lead guitarist, Rob Zucca and sax man, Bill Johnston
to roast their solos with complete confidence.
The
solos by both gentlemen are especially noteworthy on "Happy
Girl", the fourth cut on the CD. There are 7 (seven) songs
on the CD: "Train", "Come To This", "Woman's
Love", "Happy Girl", "Only Human", "Take
This Heart", and "Today". Mostly written by Kelly
Z and Perry Robertson, these songs are well crafted and expertly
arranged.
The
fact that several of these songs blast over the 6 (six) minute mark,
to accommodate the intricate arrangements and extended solos, is
refreshing. It brings the recording to another level, beyond the
normal "three minute human jukebox" mode in which so many
CDs seem to be entrenched.
- SCOTT DETWEILER www.nohoartsdistrict.com
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"I
looked in my mailbag for something to blast away the clouds and
I pulled out a letter from Kelly Zirbes, front lady for the band
Kelly's Lot. This band plays some fun eclectic rock and they do
a lot of charity work promoting Hepatitis C awareness.
I saw
them play once at a street fair (another great playing opportunity)
and really enjoyed their stage show. The CD she sent me entitled
"Trio", is a collection of acoustic bluesy rock ballads
that explore all sides of relationships. The CD has great sound
and was recorded live, in front of a small audience, at Hallenbeck's
General Store in North Hollywood. The guitar work by her long time
friends Perry Robertson and Rob Zucca is great and Kelly's bluesy,
raspy voice is filled with emotions as they tear through the tracks.
The
opening track "Take this Heart" deals with an abusive
relationship. In the track "Close My Eyes", the only escape
from sadness is to do just that. You can get on a bus or a "Train"
and escape your problems as this song suggests or just work through
them and have a positive outlook like the closing track "Happy
Girl" " -
REVN KEVIN/ROCK CITY NEWS
"Kelly Zirbes is a powerful singer and songwriter. Hand this
woman a microphone, place her in front of an audience and what you
get is a toe-tapping magical moment. Fortunately, for all of us,
this latest release captures that magic perfectly, delivering soulful,
bittersweet lyrics laced with a full range of emotions and experiences
related to love, life, pleasure and pain. The songs are top-notch,
well arranged and complimented by excellent musicianship. Collectively,
the trio hits a groove and drives it home through their entire set,
all the while keeping their audience fully entranced. Zirbes' vocal
style dominates the emotions laid out in her songs, and that’s
a good thing. She is not afraid to belt out a tune when it is required.
If you’re looking for a musical laid-back bluesy groove, this
CD takes you there. You can find it at www.kellyslot.com Hit Picks:
"Woman’s Love" and "Close My Eyes" "
DEBORAH
KEITH - GOGIRLSMUSIC.COM
KELLY’S LOT IN NOHO by SCOTT DETWEILER
"Kelly’s Lot burned an incredible
show before a packed house on Saturday night, December 13th, at
Hallenbeck’s General Store (on Cahuenga) in NoHo. Most of the
songs performed during the set were selected from their latest release,
“Come To This”, which is available at their website, www.kellyslot.com.
Kelly’s Lot is a five piece blues rock band made up of Kelly
Z, on vocals; Perry Robertson, on rhythm guitar; Rob Zucca, lead
guitar; Bill Johnston, on saxophone; Mark Drews, on bass; and Bryan
Celano on drums. However, for this special Hallenbeck’s show,
they went all acoustic and without the bassist and drummer. If you
have never been to Hallenbeck’s then you need to go there to
experience the unrivaled intimacy with the musicians that it delivers
to the audience. There are clubs in NoHo and in the Los Angeles
area that are of comparable size, but the positioning of the stage
and the sound system make it a truly original and unique music venue.
(The food is good, too!) They opened the set with “Train”,
which is from the new album. “Train” is a rock blues song
that starts out with a hot solo by Rob Zucca. It is a song about
getting away from a lame duck relationship. Nice. And yeah, the
rhythm of the song has “TRAIN” slapped all over it, with
Robertson’s rhythm guitar stoking the furnace, Kelly Z’s
vocals as the conductor and Zucca and Johnston riding along in First
Class. “The Green Toads” was played next and it is a great
song about love. (By the way, this song is from their album simply
entitled, “Trio”, which is a CD of a great live Kelly’s
Lot Hallenbeck’s performance. On this album only three of the
members are present: Kelly Z, Perry Robertson and Rob Zucca. It
is an amazing testimony to the power of vocals and two guitars.)
Next, they played a new song called “Nobody Here But Me”,
which was really strong. Often times when bands perform new songs
or songs that have yet to be recorded on one of their albums, the
arrangement can be muddy or vague, but this was not the case here.
This song is great and Zucca fired up a killer solo that was all
over it. “Come To This”, the title song from their latest
CD, is a really cool song about a chick that comes to the realization
that her life is nothing but boring and tedious. Instead of holding
her in his arms, her man holds the remote for the TV set in his
hands (there is no mention of a beer but there probably is one somewhere
in this story). She also is tired of doing housework. The song ends
with a last verse lesson that advises: if we are not careful, we
all get what we wish for. Nice. Kelly and Perry wrote this. The
song has a strut groove and has really cool chord changes. Bill
Johnston took the first solo. Man, can he play the sax. Rob Zucca
followed and, once again, amazed the audience with his juicy guitar
playing. “Woman’s Love” is about, well, the love
of a woman. What is really great about the crafting of this song
is the fact that even if the listener never understood a word of
English, OR, if the song were released in an instrumental version,
the music sounds like, well, the love of a woman. The key change,
dropping chromatically, to accommodate the sultry and erotic sax
solo by Johnston (which was probably his best of the evening…Bill
Johnston blows the sax with his mouth but it sounds like the air
comes from his heart and his soul), is brilliant. This key change
brings the ear of the listener by the hand into a new and different
colored tonal room. “Drive” was next. It is a cool boogie-woogie
blues penned by Kelly and Perry. If you have read this article all
the way, clear down to this point, it is a safe bet to assume that
you possess the creative and deductive abilities to imagine what
this was like. Kelly’s Lot closed with “Happy Girl”.
Damn if this isn’t one of their best songs. It is a straight
ahead, four on the floor, pumping, take no prisoners, def-con four,
red alert, blues rock masterpiece. It is a tightly arranged classic,
sprinkled with accents, chokes and fills that are masterly placed.
Everyone was ON IT.
Now, just a bit about the players:
Kelly Z is an alto, singing with a range close to Natalie Merchant
and with the conviction of Marva Wright. But make no mistake, citizens,
she is an American Original. She could get away with just standing
on the edge of the stage and looking hot, but the fact that she
is a killer singer and a looker make her a unique and extraordinary
talent. (And she’s great with the audience.) Bill Johnston
is one, too (an American Original). He plays the sax, like mentioned
earlier, but with more than just his mouth and fingers. It sounds
like pieces of him are coming though the bell and pouring into the
sky. He has a good tone and his phrasing puts him into a category
all his own, somewhere between rock and jazz. Perry Robertson is
a human metronome. That’s all there is to it. He plays the
rhythm guitar as if he had a metronome surgically implanted into
the wrist of his right hand (the opposite of a metronomectomy).
Realize that he, for all practical purposes, WAS the rhythm section
for this show. When people listen to Jimi Hendrix, they don’t
often think about the fact that it would have been impossible for
him to play the way he did WITHOUT a human metronome bassist and
drummer. Paintings can never hang without a wall to hold them up.
Walls make art possible. Rob Zucca is the caliber of lead guitarist
that most people will never get the opportunity to see in person.
This is simply because of the fact that these types of players are
rare. He has the ability to blend in with the rhythm and then come
to the forefront with his solos. He plays with a lot of brass and
smoothness. Notes melt from his fingers and his rhythm is impeccable.
There are a million rock gods who can play a million notes, a million
licks, a million miles a minute. However, Rob is like a craftsman,
or better yet, like a skilled laborer, using only the tools that
each musical situation demands. He has a million notes and a million
licks but he has the judgment and the discretion, most players lack,
to use them only when needed. His phrasing is balanced, his delivery
is sure, and his demeanor on stage is confident. Together, they
play as one of the tightest bands you will ever hope to see. Make
an effort to see Kelly’s Lot perform live." KELLY’S
LOT IN NOHO by SCOTT DETWEILER www.nohoartsdistrict.com
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"Kelly Zirbes and her band, Kelly's
Lot, combine blues and folk, along with some genuine bar room rock,
to come up with a sound that is lively and wild, while also honest
and sincere. One thing that you can always say about the music is
that both the band and Kelly put their heart and soul into every
song. The music itself sounds like that of a band you'd hear walking
into some unknown bar with some unknown band playing their interpretation
of bar rock. The blues riffs go flying, the sweaty, beer-drenched
rock attacks always present, and the band having the time of their
life regardless of what the crowd is doing or thinking. But, what
helps propel this band above and beyond the thousands described
above is a genuine appetite and a folk infusion that allows them
to shake things up a bit and stay out of the repetitive region."
INMUSICWETRUST.COM
"Magical live performances with excellent recordings Kelly
puts her heart and soul into the songs she sings and in this CD
her talent in a live show shines. The "talk sing" as only
Kelly can do carries the message of the songs and then she alternates
with a raspy delivery. Perry Robertson's guitar licks are tasty
and well formed. The trio is extremely tight and the audience response
clearly shows it was one of those magical performances. Live CDs
are not my favorite, with the exception of videos of concerts (some
DVD releases of concerts are good and even those I pick and choose),
I avoid them -- but this one is an exception. Usually the acoustics
are wanting and the energy of the show does not translate onto the
disc. But this one, you feel as if you are there. Excellent."
PHIL MORALES
Hi Kelly, I have heard the greatest feedback from the Borders
managers whose stores you performed at. I would love to schedule
Kelly's Lot and Karpool again. They all seem to love your music!
PEGGY JACKSON - BORDERS BOOKS AND
MUSIC
I heard the tracks tonight (just on a rough MP3 mix) and you sound
fantastic! I swear you give me goosebumps!
- Joan Enguita (Lancaster, CA)
I bought this CD since I received a free one from the band that
only had a few songs on it (part of some promotion or something)
It is well worth the small price, the tracks on it ROCK. My favorite
is "Joan of Arc" and "Black and Blue". If you
like blues, I recommend it. If you like rock, I recommend it. If
you like strong female vocalists that sound comfortable with the
lyrics, I recommend it. - Lei Lani (Hampton,
Virginia)
Kelly's Lot are a wonderful bunch of people who are dedicated to
a variety of causes. Sales from this CD go to a cancer benefit,
I believe. There are eight songs on here, all wonderfully rendered.
And it has my favorite Kelly's Lot song, 'Back to LA' on it, so
this CD is great. Kelly's Lot's music is a jazzy bluesy blend of
classic sounding rock. By the second listen you'll swear you grew
up with these songs. Highlights, besides 'Back to LA' (I can see
Kelly smiling when she sees this because she knows I adore that
tune), are 'Shining Star', which has an awesome saxaphone part,
and 'Joan of Arc', which is one of the most rocking tunes on here.
It's for a good cause, and features good music. Do your part, get
the CD. INDIEcator: Indie Music Reviews
- Persygrrrl
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"I can say this that this lady is is one to watch - she's
headed for great things and soon" -
ACTING-UP, Australia
Hey there all you R.C.N. faithful, I hope everyone had a fun and
safe Memorial Day. I am always spewing about alternatives to playing
at Clubs and last weekend I attended the No.Ho. Street Festival.
It was packed with Vendors displaying art from all over the world
and there were three stages with different acts playing every hour
on both days of the event. I saw the event and the line-ups and
the name "Kelly's Lot" grabbed my attention. I am a big
supporter of bands that do charity work and this is one that does
a lot to bring attention to Hepatitis C. They had just returned
from a nationwide tour to support the cause and were happy to be
playing local again. The band line-up consists of: Rob Zucca - Lead
Guitar, Perry Robertson - Guitar, Bruce Johnson - Bass, Brian Celano
- Drums, Bill Johnston - Sax and Kelly Zirbes - Vocals. I hadn't
a clue as to what type of music it would be and found it to be some
great straight up rock and roll. Exceptional musicians the whole
"LOT" but what really grabbed my attention was the sax
playing of Bill Johnston. I guess I see way too many metal bands
and it was a real treat to see some great sax playing. This sax
added a great feel and sound that fit the mood of the music. While
the sax was great it certainly didn't detract from the great performance
everybody was putting in. Front Lady Kelly Zirbes has great stage
presence and her high energy level is contagious. They sell their
CD and donate the proceeds so the money I usually get for my pictures
I donated. Kelly graciously gave me their CD "Kelly's Lot Live"
which is a great collections of rockers.
NoHo Arts Festival Review by Kevin from
Rock
City News
"It's polka...no, it's blues...no,
it's crossover country/rock...no, it's Kelly's Lot! As good as they
are unique, this band boldly records and distributes a live show
recorded in their "home away from home," Hallenbecks Main
Street Cafe in North Hollywood. Most live recordings cannot hope
to live up to the polish of a studio recording, or even the actual
experience of attending a show, but this well-mixed and product
delivers a highly entertaining sound. The band is so tight, even
in extremely complicated riffs, that the audience's wild applause
is often all that remains to remind us that this is a live performance.
The solos are masterfully performed, the saxophone (yes, a saxophone)
is precisely in tune with the guitars, and the band members never
lose each other in the many rhythmic and melodic modulations that
might frighten a lesser band even in the studio. With the gritty
soul of Stevie Nicks and the dexterous range of Patti Smith, the
voice of songwriter Kelly Zirbes is like the Shining Star of which
she sings, sending a beam of lyrics in and around these intricate
arrangements. Her range allows her to hold and build on beautiful
high notes and slip down into a rootsy almost-growl whenever desired.
At all times, she makes the tunes what they are and harmonizes with
the instruments and even male backing voices with precision and
charm. This sextet is both talented and playful, presenting a tempting
variety of songs out of passion, resolve, and above all, the joy
of music. In the many solos and countermelodies, all members of
this group demonstrate a thorough understanding of the melodic shapes
in their songs, and all work together to create a memorable sound.
Without the aid of retakes and retakes and retakes, Kelly's Lot
aims to make a difference, and they certainly succeed. Hit Picks:
"Just a Heart" and "Back to LA"" GOGIRLSMUSIC.COM
"I came across this lady when I got
an email from manager/producer/guitarist, Perry Robertson, inquiring
as to whether I was looking for musicians for my feature film. One
listen to Kelly's CD Test Drive later and I was hooked. From the
rock of "Joan of Arc" to the haunting "Love has Wings"
to the laid-back sounds of "Back to LA" and the almost
Celtic/folk-sounding "Broken Man" - Kelly Zirbes proves
that she is a singer/songwriter of great talent and eclectic style.
Her voice is great to listen to - husky, powerful, emotive and full
of expression - a truly individual sound - and her songs are well-crafted
and packed with feeling. "The Lot" (the musicians who
back her) are tight, strong and show obvious top musicianship. Keep
an eye on Kelly's Lot - they're about to hit the scene with a huge
impact. This cd is just a sample of what's to come and should be
in every discerning music collectors cd cabinet - be they a writer
or otherwise! " - SALLY McLEAN,
THE BOOK CAFE
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"If you want more information on Kelly's Lot, we encourage
you to check out the website and learn more. We prefer to cut to
the chase and tell you our own experience when we reviewed the CD.
The CD, "Test Drive" starts out with an original tune
called, "Black & Blue". With its driving rhythm and
infectious lyrics, you will find yourself shaking your hips, tapping
your foot or clapping your hands. Kelly's vocal approach is a bit
of punk, pop and rock influence all stirred up for a delicious treat
to the ears. "Brand New Key" is the old cover favorite
that we all know and love but this version is not poppy-sweet by
any standards. It's fuzz guitar and jungle drum beat drives it to
the fast and heavy lane experience. Adult pleasure with a youthful
familiarity. "Just You" is a tender-hearted ballad with
a reflective maturity. Slightly breathless, fluttery-edgy vocals,
give this song a more realistic approach for the adult audience.
The girl sings from her soul. I'm a believer! "Take This Heart"
In the realm of heavy-hitters like Janis Joplin and Heart, Kelly's
Lot comes to a furious and exciting boiling point with this cut.
It's an relentless, pounding, teasing original that defies gravity.
Mood music for the 90's. "Living Inside Her" Melissa Etheridge
meets Joan Jett. Kelly Zirbes, the seductive lead singer and songwriter
of the group, throws her entire being into this music. The rock
to reggae tempo change is incredibly tasteful. "Oh give me
more......""Love Has Wings" the fragile and sensitive
side comes out in full glory. The insecurity of an uncertain love
is respectfully portrayed here without sacrificing an inner strength
that keeps the whole song together. It arrives at a sad but evolutionary
place. Beautiful. "Broken Man" Drenched in symbolism and
perfumed with sweet tonal rapture. This is one for the deep-thinking
art lovers. "Joan Of Arc" light, airy offering that takes
advantage of the surface interpretation. Well done. "Happy
Girl" a perky musical backdrop against contrasting, depressing
lyrics is the perfect combination and convincingly achieves the
goal of emotional hypocrisy. Exhilarating! "Back To L.A."
The dream calls you away from home and the reality check brings
you back to your roots. The message is clear and couldn't be more
true. "Fragile" that elusive vulnerability is exposed
for a moment and analyzed for what it is and for how it gains strength
when the light fades from the sky. It takes a gifted mind to think
of this kind of arrangement."Close My Eyes" stylistically
indulgent, experimental and intriguing. "Only Human" the
chord changes add some vibrant color to the whole mix. They are
subtle but are enough to make you take notice that something special
is happening. Pure magic. IN SUMMARY: Kelly's Lot offers the average
listener some incredible music that you won't find anywhere else,
and yet, other musicians/songwriters, will appreciate the little
nuances that spice up this whole album. The effort that went into
making this project is quite evident throughout. There's even a
video on the CD (this is actually called an "enhanced CD")
that is compatible with Macs and PC's and is as well-produced as
some of the huge budget videos out there today. The video is funny
and mod without being bubble-gummy. Put it all together and you
have one extraordinary piece of work here that stands well on its
own. INDEPENDENT SONGWRITER MAGAZINE
"Kelly's Lot makes a statement right out of the blocks with
"Black and Blue". Crisp, clear and precise vocals only
head the songs. Backing Kelly Zirbes up is Thomas Richter on lead,
Sebastian Sheehan on drums, Chris Robertson on Bass and Perry Robertson
on Rhythm. Perry's production completely shows through - it's not
often that all the instruments/percussion are heard on every track.
TEST DRIVE does not have a bad track, just degrees of greatness.
"Just You" is a wonderful change of pace from the first
two tracks, more southern rock than the heavy country/folk influences
of the album. But, let's not stop there! For example, "Love
Has Wings" is very melodic and the lyrics are thoughtful and
inspiring. "Living Inside Her" is proof positive of what
Miss Zirbes and Kelly's Lot can do - a total crossover of genres.
From southern rock to ska to pop, this song has it all! Last, but
not least, is "Back to L.A.". The addition of Bill Johnston
on saxophone shows the band's willingness to explore their creative
ideas. And just when you thought you heard it all comes "Close
My Eyes". It has an old world flamingo flavor that puts you
into the streets of Madrid." NIGHTMOVES
MAGAZINE
"From the get-go the tracks of "Test Drive" take
me for a spin. Kelly Zirbes sings with such passion and it's especially
noted in one of my faves, "Just You". Then there's "Joan
of Arc", that sounds like early Melissa Etheridge with a country
flair. The band has such a tight sound. Take a Test Drive today.
You'll be glad you did cuz this band is going places. GOGIRLSMUSIC.COM
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"This singer-songwriter has a true artistic vision, and she
presents her intriguing music with subtle power and steel-like conviction.
Labels should definitely take a listen, because she's more than
ready. Besides, anyone who includes an electrified version of Melanie's
1971 Number One hit "Brand New Key"shows that she's going
to do things her way. Speaking of that cut, film music supervisors
might be interested in giving her a call, as well. this lady has
what it takes. This demo is a keeper." -
MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Kelly's Lot - Chapter 1 Chapter is a tasty serving of mainstream
pop from vocalist Kelly Zirbes. Moving effortlessly from country
jangle ("Joan of Arc") to sassy rock (a Bo-Diddly-ized
reading of Melanie's "Brand New Key"), delicate, folky
ballads ("Broken Man" mixes oud and clarinet for an old-world
feel), light-jazz samba ("Just A Heart") to pure pop ("One
Track Mind"), Zirbes fits comfortably into the AAA female singer-songwriter
slot occupied by Sheryl Crow, Natalie Merchant and Aimee Mann. -
DEMO UNIVERSE
"Kelly's Lot is destined to be a Classic" -
Danny, Ohio
"Imagine if the talent of Led Zepplin, Heart and Janis Joplin
were confined to a coffee shop and you walked by while they were
playing. Chances are you'd buy coffee there on a daily bases, even
if you were allergic to the stuff. That's the feeling you get when
stumbling on Kelly's Lot. " - Gregory
(Ventura, California)
KELLY!!!!!!!!!!! your cd "Trio" is WONDERFUL!!! I played
it over the weekend while staying at my friends place in laguna
and we loved it! so happy that you have put this out - sounds GREAT!
- Che, South Pasadena
Kelly's Lot - is gonna rock you! The singer and songwriter, Kelly
Zirbes and her band Kelly's Lot, IS the next big star in the musically
sky, no question. Her alternative rock music is quite characteristic
and yet easy to relate to with her personal lyrics. This site is
definitely a must visit for every music lover, male or female, she's
the greatest unsigned talent I have ever met. Kelly's energy is
contagious, her charisma is wonderful, her voice is great. -
Linda
"Received your Trio CD yesterday,
thanks so much!!! I've had it on here at work this morning and I'm
loving what I hear." - a fan
"Saw your Kulaks performance on the reruns a couple o' nights
ago. Good stuff!" - Jimi (LA,CA)"After I got your "Stop...and Make a Difference"
CD at the PV Marathon, I copied "Back to LA" onto a CD
all by itself (actually 21 Tracks back-to-back), and played it for
the next week while driving my Truck everywhere. Hey, there are
some songs I really like. That just happens to be one of them"
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks. - Mike
"Loved your cd. I have a 400 cd-changer where I store and
play all my cd's; I put your cd in between Janis Joplin and Etta
James because that's where you belong! Keep Playing Beautiful Music!"
- Joe Fox, massage therapist
" I LOVED "Black and Blue"! I'm a big classic rock
'n roll fan and I almost never like anything made after 1980. I
thought it was a really catchy tune and I thought the lyrics were
awesome. So true, Kelly! "Broken Man" was also great!
Extremely powerful lyrics. Kelly's voice is amazing. She can be
light and fun like in "Black and Blue" but also soulful
and deep like in "Broken Man." Hey, Kelly, where are you
playing in L.A.? I live here and would love to come see you play
live! Rock on, girlfriend!" Tracy
- North Hollywood, CA
"Thank you for the invite.
You're quite awesome! As I told you, I started out thinking you
were kind of Chrissy Hinds type, then Ronstadt-esque, then Cher,
Carly, and all that, then I realized you're a total original. You
have a great voice, and you're a terrific storyteller! I can't wait
for Saturday to see you with the whole band." -
Steve ( a storyteller)
" I listened to the two songs and really enjoy them. Me and
a bunch of my Navy pals were surf'n the net and came across this
site and were wondering if you do USO shows. If your ever in the
Chicago area make sure you let us know. We will send the Great Lakes
Naval Base down to see your show. Did I mention that you are a hot
look'n mama?" - Andrew Lewis (Skokie,
IL)" Real good songs, she has a great voice although my computer
doesn't sound that great. I would buy this c.d. The second song
compliments her voice with the acoustic guitar while the first song
sounds a bit 80's style but all in all both songs are very good.
Keep up the good work and hopefully it will pay off." -Kevin
Dye (Phoenix, AZ)
" I remember hearing your song on TV and thought it was by
some big band. I really like the sound you have. It kind of reminds
me of Stevie Nicks except your music is completely different. Keep
up the good work, you'll get signed soon." -
Stanley (Chicago, IL)
"Kelly's Lot - is gonna rock you! The singer and songwriter,
Kelly Zirbes, (whom I'm lucky to know in person) and her band Kelly's
Lot, IS the next big star in the musical sky, no question. Her alternative
rock music is quite characteristic and yet easy to relate to with
her personal lyrics. This site is definitely a must visit for every
music lover, male or female, she's the greatest unsigned talent
I have ever met. Kelly's energy is contagious, her charisma is wonderful,
her voice is great. Go and VISIT, I tell ya!!! And maybe even order
their newly released CD, it's highly recommended." -
Lynda from Sweden.
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