“..The final result is more Americana soul than New Orleans funk, steeped in the Memphis gospel vocals, R&B horns and gurgling B3 organ of Al Green, Hi Records and Willie Mitchell, but his adopted hometown’s spirit can’t be denied..”

Co-produced by Kelly with Robert Mercurio of long-running New Orleans band Galactic (now owner of the famed Tipitina’s venue), Here’s the Thing offers an introduction to a musician who put in the work and waited until the time was right to launch his solo career after establishing his reputation for more than a decade with local group Gravy.

Kelly’s connections forged during two decades in New Orleans resulted in a dizzying array of talented musicians who participated in the project, including bassist Kevin Scott [Govt Mule, Jimmy Herring Band], drummer/multi-instrumentalist Isaac Eady [the Tedeschi-Trucks Band], drummer Stanton Moore and bassist/producer Robert Mercurio [both of Galactic], singer/vocal producer Gabrielle Cavassa [Joshua Redman], lead guitarist Joe Pizzolato [Kelly Price, Hans Williams], saxophonist/clarinetist Nick Ellman [Naughty Professor, Maroon 5], composer/multi-instrumentalist Kelly Pratt [Arcade Fire, St. Vincent, David Byrne, Father John Misty] and so many more..

Finding a new lease on life following a near-fatal accident several years ago, Kelly has returned to touring, honing the new material for live performances.