Kelly Bell Band

Voted the Best Blues Band in the Mid Atlantic Region 12 years in a row, the Kelly Bell Band from Baltimore, Maryland is “among the most genre-expanding acts on today’s blues scene. Who else can combine elements of hip-hop, funk, and blues-electrified here, Delta there, horn driven elsewhere- and still manage to sound sincere? A forward view of the way blues is transitioning in today’s scene…Bell’s an honest poet and an outstanding singer with lots to say. ” Blues Revue Magazine.

Formed as a backup band for Bo Diddley, the Kelly Bell Band is now in its seventeenth year of playing, recording, and entertaining fans. The KBB released their debut album, Phat Blues Music in 1998. It remains one of the best selling CDs in Mid-Atlantic region history. The band followed with the equally successful studio albums Ain’t Like it Used to Be in 2001 and Chasing the Sun in 2002. In March 2004, the KBB released their first live album “Live From the Recher Theatre…Finally” to much industry acclaim. Reincarnated, released in 2007, shows Bell’s diversity as a vocalist, taking fans from the Phat Blues rendition of the cartoon favorite “SpongeBob Squarepants” to the soulful, breathtaking acapella rendition of “No Different (Inside Kelly)”. In 2008, the KBB released Live from Dr. Unk’s (DVD). In addition to the high energy show, the DVD includes bonus footage of Bell as an MCW wrestler, and interviews with the band. In addition, in their characteristic zealous style, the band released the CD’s That’s What’s Up and I’m Just Sayin’ that same year. The band’s much anticipated “Should Have Been You”, released in June 2012, combines quintessential KBB originals with Phat Blues renditions of a few old blues favorites.

In addition to his role as one of the premiere front men in the music industry today, the KBB’s success has also been promoted by Bell’s presence in Baltimore. Bell is a regular on several area radio shows, performs as a professional wrestler, has written, recorded and acted in commercials, and has several television and movie appearances to his credit.

Backed by guitarists Ira Mayfield, and Ryan Fowler, bassist Derrick Dorsey, saxophone player Alex Crean, drummer John Buell and vocalist Rahsaan Eldridge, the KBB is always working on their next album, and rehearses regularly. Bell doesn’t take any show, song or phrase for granted. His goal remains to put on the best show every night for every fan, and strives to make personal connections. The band can often be found conversing with fans before shows, during breaks, and staying to sign every last CD after shows. The band is active on several social networking sites, including Facebook, MySpace, ReverbNation and Twitter.