 Biography
Uplifting, wry, bluesy jazz from an exciting quartet
"A singer-songwriter with the unusual distinction of being a double bass player; her songs are upbeat in every sense - lyrically optimistic and musically infectious. Stylistically, the sound is richly produced bluesy cafe-jazz...you'll be hearing more about Kel."
The Performing Rights Society
Kel is a double-bass playing sassy jazz singer who takes her life experiences - and her views on the state of the nation - and hammers them out on stage with humour, irony, and a touch of mischief. Her big voice and the ecstatic support of guitar, keyboards, and percussion from her talented band have audiences dancing in the aisles, offering thundering applause, and crying out for more!"
"Inspired by a diverse range of artists from Tom Waits to Ella Fitzgerald to Bonnie Raitt to Michelle Shocked, Kel's vocals are distinctly rich and powerful, ballsy and sweet, but it is the impressive combination of voice and double bass that sets her apart from her contemporaries The band has wowed audiences from Ireland to Finland and from art centres to rural touring schemes."
"Standing behind her double bass, Kel Elliott opened her mouth to sing and the roof came off,"
Promoter Live & Local touring scheme
"Can it be true ??....well written songs sung "LIVE" while playing great lines on bass (I can't even talk and play) and all with such great enthusiasm and love for performing...Yes it's true!!.. check out Kel Elliott a unique and original artist that gets me grinning with pleasure.. She swings and plays and sings in tune too... blimey!! ...now there's a thing..."
Danny Thompson
"Kel's upbeat tales of life and lost love are light-hearted and infectious.. A star in the making,"
Musicians Union Magazine
"Brilliant,"
Madeleine Peyroux (The Kel Elliott band were support to Madeleine at Warwick Art Centre in April 2011.)
"Naked from the ankles down, her lyrics and endearing between-song banter would suggest Kel has been let down by men in the past, but she saved most of her ire for Simon Cowell, which shows she is no bad judge (unlike Mr Cowell!)."
Audience member
"The band really let their hair down during a rousing encore, which produced a standing ovation and left everyone going home happy, delighted that they had given 'X Factor' a miss, and instead enjoyed some quality live music."
Audience member
"Best thing I've ever heard!"
Audience member
"Best act the scheme has ever had!"
Touring Scheme Promoter
"Your original music stood up to the classics and they [our audience] even preferred it!"
Touring Scheme Promoter
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Kelvin Leitch (Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals)
Kelvin is enjoying his work with Kel Elliott. "Everything about it is positive and fun, with great
excitement as new experiences for the band come along, just the right climate for ideas to flow".
Kelvin comes from a background of playing drums with rhythm and blues bands, moving into jazz and swing.
This he feels put him in the right frame of mind to pick up the guitar and incorporate those rhythms to co-writing the 'Kel Elliott' tunes. He always knew there were songs to get out and the guitar was the catalyst.
Leo Steeds (Keys)
Leo's musical influences are many and varied, ranging from the bluesy piano styles he learnt from his uncle growing up, to the jazz and electronica which now occupy much of his time, passing through soul and latin along the way. These many influences show through in his playing style which can move through different and unexpected places in the course of only a few phrases. Never happier than when doing music, when he is not playing, he is busy recording at Blackdown Studio near Warwick which he co-runs.
Tom Voce (Drums and Percussion)
Tom has been playing drums for twelve years, and after the tenth finally started getting the hang of it. He enjoys it so much that he has blagged gigs at festivals, arts centres, clubs, pubs, radio shows, art galleries and sitting rooms all across the country - playing styles ranging from flamenco to bebop to hurdy-gurdy-trance and hip-hop. He wishes he had Seb Rochford's subtle touch and perceptive ear, but when he thinks no one can hear he bashes out high-octane jungle breaks like he was Jojo Mayer. Tom regularly plays with many bands and performers and is excited to get the chance to bust his beats and chops along to Kel's songs.
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