For someone who has earned a slot on one of the summer's biggest tours - opening for Detroit supergroup, the Raconteurs - Kelley Stoltz remains as humble as ever. In fact, for the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist - who spends most of his days working at San Francisco record store, Grooves - music is not a means for fame and financial reward. His latest release - Below the Branches (Sub Pop, 2006) reflects the influences both of his childhood heroes and the obscure classic sounds to be found at Grooves. Songs flow seamlessly, hopping from folk to blues to motown to classic rock and roll, all sealed with Stoltz own personal stamp. One may hear more than a hint of the Beach Boys on "Ever Thought of Coming Back," and the gift of imitation is one that Stoltz has been blessed with. "That probably stems from being an only child," he says. "I was always imitating baseball announcer voices." But to merely call his diverse collection of genres an imitation would be a disservice to his proven musical talent. In fact, in 2001, Stoltz re-recorded Echo & the Bunnymen's debut, Crocodiles, and while he can easily do a straight Ian McCullough, most of the songs bear his own funky psychedelic spin. It's fitting that he should be touring with the Raconteurs, given the quartet and Stoltz share a unique ability to pay homage to the sounds of the past, while making it sound like the music of the future.We spoke with Stoltz back in May - and the video features performances of "Memory Collector," "Wave Goodbye" and "Birdies Singing." "The Sun Comes Through" plays during the closing credits.
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4 comments:
N&UR Team: This video is great.
It wonderfully communicates essentials about Stoltz to a newcomer (me) - his music, artistic quest and process, life (job/survival) and values. It was really well done and very effective in a few short minutes.
From an amateur film critic and film lover...Jacquie
This deserves to be seen by many.
I would love to have your talents.
And I should have added, I enjoyed the featured music as well. Definintely a good flavour of classic sound but also new with appealing lyrics. I particularly liked Birdies Singing, it just suited my mood at the time.
Another great offering Will! Kelly Stoltz is so talented and his music is so appealing. Great job landing the Raconteurs opener gig!
This is really excellent. You did an excellent job of editing this, it really conveys what this unusual and special artist is all about.
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