Kelly Valleau is
one of my favorite guitarist not only because of his technical prowess, but
because he has a unique ability to translate rock classics to solo fingerstyle
guitar. He started playing electric guitar at the age of 15 and made his first
Indie CD at the age of 21. His early influences were David Gilmour, Jimmy Page,
Tommy Iommi, Randy Rhoads, James Hetfield, and Kirk Hammett.
About
ten years ago, he hung up his electric guitar and devoted much of his time to
traditional classical guitar studies. Much of his early acoustic work was very
classical/Spanish. Then in 2006 he attended the Canadian Guitar Festival and
the performances by Don Ross and others grabbed his attention. He moved into
the contemporary acoustic world incorporating percussive techniques into his
music, although his tunings are still standard. He’s also moved from playing
classical nylon stringed guitars to steel string, which he finds a more moving
instrument.
The
selections I’ve included below reflect his more recent ventures. So sit back
and enjoy one of the premier solo acoustic guitarists on the scene today.
The Unforgiven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6imqOqVsn8
Sultans of Swing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI8tvq_b2vQ
Message in a bottle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4kxOoJ2xi8
Sweet Home Alabama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KagFJDhtUA
Stremnaya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82rqhR1-xqg
Heart-shaped Box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ur0WqqqeUI
Mad World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpJXJX2EzK4
The A Team: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu9BWJ-rzas
I’m pairing Kelly with a 2009 Michael David Earthquake Petite
Sirah that I bought on sale for $23.00. Michael David Winery makes some of my
favorites that include Petite Petite Sirah and Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel.
Earthquake is the reserve level wines from the vineyard. There’s a bit of
Cabernet Sauvignon blended into the wine that gives it a mouthwatering palate
of blackberries, chocolate, coffee, and Christmas spices. Same goes for the
aromas. It finishes strong, but beware, this one’s 15% alcohol, so don’t plan
on driving. Then again, with Kelly’s music, why would you want to go anywhere.
Enjoy!
Cheers!
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