Recently signed as a Sony Music Artist under Bad Jeu Jeu Records, Kelli Baker brings a sound unlike any other.
”When I put on Kelli Baker, I get transported into a world of fresh nostalgia. Her voice is like the legendary blues women of the 1930’s and 40’s, but with a modern seductiveness. Her songs are moody and sensual and worth listening to on repeat. There’s no one with her particular sound right now.”
— Rob Rush, Program Director and PM Drive Host, 94.3 The Shark (Long Island)
With a powerhouse voice dripping with a haunting sensuality that slips easily into growling old school blues-tones, Kelli's music is an amalgamation of authentic blues/rock and heart-on-her-sleeve singer/songwriter pop with folk/gospel roots. She delivers a commanding performance and has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Chris Cornell, Susan Tedeschi, and Aretha Franklin.
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, she moved to New York in 2012. Learning music like so many others in the church choir, Kelli graduated to fronting a hard rock band and a folk duo, writing her own music at an early age.
Now Kelli is a national touring artist, performing with The Kelli Baker Band. She appears consistently at iconic music houses such as NYC’s The Bitter End, The Cutting Room, Rockwood Music Hall, and some of New York’s most discerning venues. She recently headlined both the Women of the Blues Festival in McIntosh, MN, and the Paxico Blues Fest in Kansas City, KS, which draws 5,000 people.
Kelli's touring band is something special. Noé Socha, a Brooklyn-based guitar and harmonica player originally from Italy, showcases his own signature sound, pairing fiery guitar technique with virtuosic harmonica playing. He's won several awards at Berklee College of Music and the “Billboard Magazine Endowed Scholarship." Noé has toured, performed, and recorded with Nona Hendrix (Labelle), Vernon Reid (Living Color), and GRAMMY Award-Winners, Javier Limón and Paula Cole.
Drummer Mark Bell has performed and recorded with JLo, Ariana Grande, Sean Paul, Queen Latifah (at the Superbowl XLVIII Halftime Show!) and many more.
Bassist PJ Lamariana is an accomplished band leader and songwriter. He's been in the music game for decades, having played with Oteil Burbridge,Keller Williams, Merl Saunders, John Kadlecik, Frank Morgan, Michael Anthony,and more. He's currently endorsed by Dunlop, Tech 21, and Modern VintageGuitars.
Kelli has swiftly moved through the ranks of New York’s bristling music scene to become a known name. She has been featured in Relix Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine, on WFUV’s coveted NY Slice, Rollin' With hosted by Rob Rush of 94.3 The Shark, Launch Music Conference & Festival, Montauk Music Festival, Brooklyn Vegan, Broadway World, NYC.Com, Better Lemons, VoyagePhoenix, Faces of Long Island, Fresh Brewed Sessions, The Tedeschi Trucks podcast, Knock ‘Em Dead Comedy, UnRated Magazine, UK Radio’s Don’s Hit List, Governor's Radio, Breaking Sound Radio, Rising Stars Radio with Rick Eberle, The Douglas Coleman Show, DiscoverYou Radio, The Long Islander, and The Island Now, among many others.
Her dynamic blues tones and gospel nods have been called a kind of ethereal blues. Her major influences are The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Jane’s Addiction, The Black Crowes, Bonnie Raitt, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Neil Young.
Kelli is endorsed by Monster Products, Fret37, and Modern Vintage Guitars.
Kelli resides just outside of New York City.
TESTIMONIALS
“Kelli Baker headlined the Paxico Blues Festival and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made in 20 years of running our event. Her talent, stage presence, connection with our community, professionalism, performance and passion set a new gold standard. Anyone considering booking her should do it right away before it’s too late and she’s selling out Madison Square Garden. Do it and I promise you won’t regret it”.
MICHAEL HUND, PROMOTER & MC, PAXICO BLUES FESTIVAL
"Philadelphia, you missed one of the best shows ever witnessed last night on any stage...Kelli Baker... is without a doubt the most powerful blues voice I've ever heard - and a genius band with NOE SOCHA,...whose notes flowed from his fingers like water over Niagara falls, and a cranking rhythm section...they will be back in 6 months - and if you miss them next time, I'll know for sure I'm in the wrong business."
JAMEY REILLY, OWNER, JAMEY'S HOUSE OF MUSIC
“Kelli Baker has the most charming way of rocking the house. On top of great musicianship, her warm and inviting stage presence is a winning combination.”
BOB CORRITORE, OWNER, THE RHYTHM ROOM
ACCOLADES AND
AWARDS
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2023 #1 Blues Rock Song, Roots Music Report
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#2 Top 50 Blues Song, Roots Music Report
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2023 nominee, Bethpage “Best of Long Island” award series, Best Band Non-Cover
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2023 Official Selection, National Women in Blues Showcase
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2022 winner, Long Island Blues Challenge “Road to Memphis”
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2021 nominee, Bethpage “Best of Long Island” award series, Best Singer from Long Island
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2019 Newsday’s Rising Stars of Long Island