D A V E K E L L E R
REVIEWS
REVIEWS FOR THE ALBUM, 'YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE'
“#1 on ‘Top Picks for Best Albums of 2020’! Dave Keller has a sterling reputation as a very fine blues/soul singer and guitarist with multiple releases in his name. But with his latest release, Keller has significantly raised the bar for all future albums. He cut the 13 recordings featured here with the help of 11 special guests, with every cut being outstanding. No throwaways here, folks. There's also a delightful diversity of music featured. The backing band is tight and Keller's melodic voice blends well with all of
his guests. Keller had a brilliant idea with this concept and it's impeccably executed. This one's a keeper!”
- Bill Mitchell, Blues Bytes
“He’s got the feeling in his songs that goes deep, all the way back to the South, where this music was born, but Keller turns to new invention and never imitation. He’s got his own feelings to share, which he surely does on these 13 songs with guests a-go-go and some mighty righteous roof-raising. [It’s] a continual raising of the spiritualized side of soul music, giving hope that not only will this music live forever, but that listeners will discover what capable hands it’s in now with Keller. The man is definitely not fooling around with something he loves so much. Let it shine.”
- Bill Bentley, Americana Highways
“Dave Keller knocks it out of the park again, with his brand new release “ You Get What You Give. “ Dave’s duets with some of the most magnificent voices in the business, is nothing less than a creative masterpiece. Everything about this project is beautifully done, from the songs and collaborations to the production. The guest musicians who lend their voice to this message of hope, are truly remarkable. Johnny Rawls, Trudy Lynn, Annie Mack, Dawn Tyler Watson, Katie Henry, Chad Hollister, Brother Bob White, Carly Harvey, Joe Luis Walker and Annika Chambers. Each of them add an element of their own strength, talent and vision. In addition to supplying a beautiful musical message of unity, all money from the album sales goes to groups working for racial justice and equity. Thank you Dave Keller for your music, wisdom, compassion and soul. I love this record!!!!”
- Dar Lopez, Sunday Blues with Dar
“... an album you want to dance to. It’s got an infectious beat, vocals that emote and lyrics and melody by Keller that reveal a sensitive writer. The album contains nearly an hour of music and shows Keller at the top of his game as writer and performer.”
- Art Edelstein, Times-Argus
“This past year of racial unrest in the United States seemed to exacerbate some old feelings of bitterness
in the blues community related to the appropriation of black culture by white blues artists. If ever there was a time when a record of solidarity was needed, it is now, and that is what Vermont’s Soul and Blues musician, Dave Keller, put together with his latest project. On his show, “Different Shades of Blue” Joe Bonamassa once mentioned that he wished blues artists would focus once again on writing truly great lyrics. It appears that Dave Keller has met that challenge, all while benefiting a great cause.”
- Anita Schlank, Blues Blast Magazine
“This Sunday, I'll be playing "The Spark" on my radio show. I've probably heard it a dozen times in the past few days, and each time, it has hit me deeply and beautifully. But just now, the tears were streaming down my cheeks in a way that I can't remember happening in a long, long time. Thank you for this amazing gift. Keep rockin'.”
- Terry Abramson, DJ
"Timeless soul-blues"
- Patrick Dallongeville, Paris Move (FRANCE)
“If the basis for the blues is rooted in earnest emotion, then Dave Keller could be considered one of its masters...stellar singers...heartfelt, soulful ballads...upbeat anthems with horn-infused vintage Stax-sounding revelry...Keller is clearly beholden to music with real melody...searing...pure righteousness...brimming with expressive emotion. Suffice it to say, the title rings true.”
- Lee Zimmerman, Living Blues
“...a STAXY soulfest of duets with a collection of rich vocalists...irresistable grooves supplied by the Memphis-toned horns...it just doesn’t let go! This one’s a treat!”
- George Harris, Jazz Weekly
“In many ways, this is [Keller’s] finest recording, not only due to the special guests but also to solid songwriting and a nice variety of material. Keller sings exquisitely. [He] put his heart and soul into this project, especially for the many black artists who have mentored and influenced him. All proceeds will go to groups that are working for racial justice and equity. This is a purchase you won’t regret on any level.”
- Jim Hynes, Glide Magazine
“Possessing one of the best soul-blues voices in the business and a deep social conscience too.”
- Charlotte Blues Society
“If you’re ready for an ultra cool soul album with a positive message, you can sing along with — look no further.”
-- Jim Clark, Lee County Courier
“While it would be ludicrous to believe that something as simple as a single album will correct the problem [of racism and inequality], it is a step in the right direction...and some great music. This one is a keeper. It’s easy on the ear, easy on the wallet, and done, not only well, but properly, and without a pointing of fingers or toeing any party line. It is also a cause worth supporting.”
- Bill Wilson, Reflections in Blue
“.... a showcase not just for himself and his band but for Black voices from across the continent's blues community.”
- Jordan Adams, Seven Days
“....mighty soulful music...It’s all good from track to glorious track, and well worth the cash you’ll put down to be a part of it.”
- Metronome Magazine
“Dave Keller has been schooled by the very best. Fueled by his love of soul-blues and gospel, Keller unites with musicians and singers to create a special album of duets.”
- Richard Ludmerer, Making a Scene
REVIEWS FROM DAVE'S SPECIAL GUESTS
“Please support a good cause if you can. Give this a listen, and if so inclined, buy this CD! We all chipped in for Dave Keller and his great idea to try and make a difference.”
- Joe Louis Walker, Member of the Blues Hall of Fame
“The Evil That Men Do is so worth listening to. It speaks the total truth. When Dave sent his songs to me, this particular song reached out to me from the first word to the last. Special thanks to you Dave for being right on point of so much evil that’s going on.”
- Trudy Lynn, The Blues Queen of Texas
REVIEWS FROM DAVE'S FANS
“Your soulful sounds give me good hope for the new year. Thanks!”
- Schwe
“This new project is symbolic of how White artists can pay homage to Black culture without appropriating or taking advantage of the rich legacy of Black music.”
- Christopher
“[Dave’s] new album has one of the most beautiful inspirational songs I have ever heard, especially on the tail end of a very rough year. It’s called ‘The Spark’. I have already worn out the repeat button on my stereo and admittedly cried many times through this powerful message of hope. I am the spark!”
- Katherine
REVIEWS FROM CRITICS
"Keller proves himself a magnificent soul singer, his luxuriant voice bending notes and rising flawlessly to every occasion. Stellar, Mr. Keller.”
- Tom Clarke, Elmore Magazine
“4 Stars [Album: Every Soul's a Star]. Keller sings and plays guitar with personality, displays good craft and technique, and does lots of deep soul-plumbing. Yet his greatest asset might be a keen understanding of how his songs need to tell a gripping story. Ten tracks concerning the hard lessons learned from a failed relationship and the rebirth of love are of high communicative interest. Blockbuster: “Old Tricks,” with Dan Ferguson on organ.”
- Frank John-Hadley, Downbeat Magazine
“For music aficionados in the know, a new album by Dave Keller is a cause for celebration."
- David Bowling, Cashbox
“This album [Every Soul's a Star] is amazing from the first note, and only gets better as it progresses through each incredible track...Boz Scaggs meets Al Green. You can’t go wrong with this one, as it should appeal to just about everyone’s musical tastes. Recommendation: You simply must get this one!”
- Indie Voice Blog, lamusiccritic.com
“It appears that guitarist/vocalist Dave Keller didn’t just drink the Memphis Kool-Aid but that the New Englander cheerfully chugged it down. A goodly number of the originals here [on album, Every Soul's a Star] could have fit quite nicely somewhere on the classic Willie Mitchell-produced sides of the ‘70’s for artists such as Syl Johnson or Ann Peebles. And Mr. Keller’s pipes might have landed him his own feature as well. Four stars.”
- Duane Verh, Roots Music Report
“Dave Keller seems about to realize the lost dream and potential of the late Eddie Hinton...a highly expressive and inspired performance. Dave brings us again to the blessed time of southern soul that has not finished haunting its insatiable zealists.”
- Patrick Dallongeville, Paris-Move, Blues Magazine, Illico & BluesBoarder (FRANCE)
“Keller performs some excellent guitar solos here, and his band...is first rate. The main attraction throughout, however, is Keller’s vocal work, which variously recalls Boz Scaggs, Otis Redding, and Buddy Miles. Keller’s lyrics are all about love and loss, and his singing underscores the emotion behind every word.”
“Dave Keller, is a white boy with blues who can write it, sing it and make it live."
- CulturaBlues.com (MEXICO)
“Dave Keller has played with some of the best of the genre, and it is paying dividends in his performance. But with Keller it’s not about his resume. It’s about his excellent vibe and his spirited songwriting, which may remind listeners of somewhat more established soul blues musicians like Eric Lindell and Peter Karp. His work evidences a deep love for Southern soul and blues, and he is known for passionate performances.”
- Bill Wilcox, Twangville.com
“Keller has carved out a following among blues aficionados with his songwriting, mastery on the Stratocaster and his deep soulful vocals. A definite star on the rise.”
- Bob Sylvestri, Best of Western NY
“...powerful soulmatic vocals, impressively flamboyant guitar play, great melodies that will never leave anyone indifferent... his latest album [Every Soul's a Star] is indeed special...simply not to be ignored.”
- Soundguardian (CROATIA)
“If you feel a little sad and unmotivated, Every Soul's a Star is the album for you. Humanist and believer, especially in love and kindness, Keller warms even the coldest hearts.”
- Marion Braun, Blues Again! (FRANCE)
"...moving and powerful...confirms his rightful place in the soul universe...Steve Cropper-like riffs and soaring vocals...songwriting genius...[Keller] navigates the ups and downs of the brokenness of relationships, the separation that society often fosters, the loneliness that grows out of fragmented lives, and the ragged redemption of love. He's backed by a first-rate band that lives and breathes soul music. Every Soul's a Star shines brightly with its infectious rhythms, its ingenious songwriting and its straight-to-the-heart soul."
- Henry L. Carrigan, Jr., Living Blues
"...a terrific soul album [Every Soul's a Star]”
- Jim Hynes, Glide Magazine: 8/10 stars
“A better label debut cannot be desired by an artist!”
- Rootstime (BELGIUM/NETHERLANDS)
“...superbly soulful...original, superb and well-crafted songs, superb backing band and with Dave possessing a truly soulful voice with his subtle guitar lines being a masterclass of restraint. It is music at its most beautiful and will raise the goose bumps on you in double quick time. Dave’s voice is a marvel of subtlety and soulfulness...an absolutely stunning album of beautiful music from an A+ class soul singer and band. It must be due to be a break out album [Every Soul's a Star] for both artist and label."
- Mike Stephenson, Blues and Rhythm (UNITED KINGDOM)
"...the nearest ‘mainstream’ analogy would be Robert Cray but Keller has a little more sting and grit to his delivery...think of a bluesier, electrified Temptations. This is a very powerful album [Every Soul's a Star] and if you like deep and meaningful soul, you’ll love this album."
- Bluesdoodles.com (UNITED KINGDOM)
“TOP 13 BEST BLUES SINGERS: Keller caught a big break half a dozen or so years ago when the revered guitarist Ronnie Earl had the singer guest on his Living in the Light album, which brought Keller’s soulful blues voice to a whole new audience. Keller, who is also a stellar guitarist, sometimes brings to mind another singer on our list, Jimmy Hall."
- Kevin Wierzbicki, AXS.com
“With several prestigious achievements and award nominations already under his belt, I have a feeling that - like his good friend, mentor and frequent bandmate, Johnny Rawls - Dave Keller could easily become a perennial "Soul Blues" nominee as well. Since he's no longer New England's best-kept secret, as long as he keeps putting out releases of this caliber, the name Dave Keller merits being alongside the likes of Johnny Rawls, Wee Willie Walker, Curtis Salgado, Tad Robinson, et al.”
- Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro, Mary4Music.com
“Don't Let Them Take Your Joy" [off of album, Every Soul's a Star] opens the record on a lean, mean foot. The Rays come out with a swagger, horns blaring like an old cop show theme song, and Keller coaxes some truly filthy notes out of his Stratocaster.”
- Chris Farnsworth, Seven Days
“Dave Keller has been a favorite of ours ever since being tabbed to sing on Ronnie Earl’s “Living In The Light” album. He’s a tremendous soul-blues singer, guitarist, and composer, and counts among his mentors Johnny Rawls, Mighty Sam McClain, and Robert Ward. Dave’s debut for Catfood Records, “Every Soul’s A Star,” produced by Jim Gaines [features] ten originals and one cover that share Dave’s belief that there is good and beauty in every one of us, and that we all, as a society, must stand together to conquer hate. Dave Keller composed some powerful, moving material for “Every Soul’s A Star,” and the Rays got on board with the project and brought it all to life behind Dave’s mighty vocals and guitar. Dave proves once again that in the end, love always wins out!.”