Lee Kelley, a Carolina native, moved to Nashville in 1997. Since then, he has consistently worked with national touring acts. They have included artists such as Gary Allan, Ricky Van Shelton and Shannon Lawson. These travels have taken Lee to 49 of the 50 states and various parts of the world including tours of Europe, Canada, Japan and Australia. Along the way, he has appeared on such shows as Prime Time Country, Donny and Marie and several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. He is currently driving the honky tonk groove around the country for Mark Chesnutt.
If you see Lee on the road, make sure to say HI as he is always up for talking shop. He says, "If you haven't before, come out and catch a Chesnutt show or go see any country show for that matter. You might be surprised. Country music should not be looked at as lame music for drummers to check out." "Country is a definitive musical art form in itself, especially the early 50s and 60s style. It is all about keeping it simple." "Coming from a rock/jazz background with influences like Jeff Porcaro, Jim Brock, Neil Peart, Simon Phillips and Richie Hayward, I had to learn country music and how to respect it. That respect makes it easier to play for the song which is what country music is all about." On the other hand, if you go out to country shows lately, you will see a lot of guys playing country with as much edge and power as rock and jazz players. Many may even astound you."
When not carpetbagging too far away from Music City, you can find Lee working regionally or in several of the honky tonks on Nashville's Lower Broadway strip or in Printer's Alley with up and coming singers such as Phil Vaught, Craig Campbell, Matt Moody, Scott Collier and several others. No matter who he is playing behind, Lee always brings solid grooving support for the singer, the band and, most importantly, the song.
Trouble....Live in Memphis..
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