Sat 10th May, 7:30pm – Bridgewater Arts Centre – 407 Mount Barker Road, Bridgewater SA
Kelly Menhennett’s distinctive voice quiets the most crowded of bars, honky tonks and street corners in music-loving destinations all around the world. Armed with a shy charm and wry wit, she is a consummate storyteller. Kelly and her band’s combined magnetism, their spellbinding mix of alt-country, blues, and ballads will leave every audience craving more.
This Americana inspired singer songwriter has won the national Telstra Road To Discovery award for her songwriting, independently released 2 full length albums and performed at iconic national and international festivals both solo and with her band. In 2015, Kelly was the recipient of the inaugural “Ryan Freeman Live Music Award” at the SA Music awards and won the 2015 ARBA Best Roots album with her latest release, Small Dreams. In late 2016 Kelly was invited to travel to the USA where she helped complete some unfinished works by the legendary gospel songwriter, Albert E. Brumley, famous for his classic, “I’ll Fly Away” written in 1935.
In late 2010, Kelly released her debut album “World Of Mine”, receiving great response by fans and media and named one of the top 10 albums for 2011 by Rhythms magazine’s Sue Barrett.
Kelly’s 2nd and most recent album, “Small Dreams”, was recorded live over 3 days at Mr Lemons Studio in Nashville with producer Neilson Hubbard and an all-star band including the likes of Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket) and Kim Richey. In contrast to her first album, Small Dreams is a little darker, a little dirtier and focuses more on her love of Americana music, which has inspired her for a lifetime. Also well received by fans and media, Small Dreams was named a top 3 release by Rhythms Magazine.
Touring both solo and with her band has seen her develop a reputation around the country as a unique and charismatic performer gracing the stages of some of Australia’s best venues and festivals including WOMADelaide, Woodford Folk Festival, Queenscliffe Music Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, as well as the Americana Festival in Nashville. She has also been invited to support some great Austrialian and International musical acts (Archie Roach, CW Stoneking, Don Walker, Ella Hooper, Steve Poltz (US), Tex Perkins, Richard Clapton, Anne McCue and Busby Marou to name a few) and shared the stage with her idol, Paul Kelly, at the iconic Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Live reviews:
“Kelly Menhennett came on stage next and immediately silenced the room with her powerful vocals. Menhennett was solely joined by her keys player and delivered a set filled with folk, roots, alternative country and a hint of jazz. Menhennett has been kicking around for a few years now, but she is probably one of the best singer-songwriters in Adelaide. Her incredible set was filled with quiet and loud moments and inspired the audience members to dance in their seats.”
Kate Sansome – ThisIsRadelaide.com.au
“It was obvious from the start that Kelly was able to draw the crowd in, immediately connect with them and then take them on a sultry, earthy, rustic journey through her amazing song collection.” Chris Murch – TheMusic.com.au
“Kelly Menhennett has a voice that is equal parts force, fury and vibrato. Menhennett’s music had an exceptional blend of soul and blues, which conjured up thoughts of Sharon Jones and Ella Fitzgerald.” Bridget Fahey – YewthMag.com
Links:
Website: http://www.kellymenhennett.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kellymenhennett
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kellymenny
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kellymenny
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kellymenny
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/kellymenhennett