LAFAYETTE, INDIANA (11/24/07) - With a bright flash, a boisterous bang, and a puff of smoke, the latest release from Michael Kelsey suddenly appears. It's entitled The Way it Rolls and it is Acoustic Rock at an apex. It’s evident that there is a “Wizard of Muse” behind this magical spell. Once again Michael's guitar becomes the “Wizard's Wand” as it conjures up his eclectic mix of Soul, Funk and Blues. A free-flow and inventive style comes to life in the album. Kelsey has mastered the ability to manipulate the dimensions of space and time, and these are all suddenly set aside in an album of implied forward motion.

The Way it Rolls is Kelsey's fifth album to date and is another masterful and carefully crafted piece of auditory art. Each moment of muse becomes an infinite and timeless experience in creativity as you move from track to track. Kelsey had taken care to ensure that this experience of “motion” is unique for each listener. Some listeners will sense movement in its physical sense, others in a spiritual sense. Whether you are daydreaming, driving or just listening … it will soon become apparent that Michael has captured movement and motion on many different levels.

The album shows Michael Kelsey is much more than just another singer-songwriter and guitar guru. With soulful vocals wrapped within well-developed lyrics and melodic hooks, Kelsey displays his knack for releasing the listener's own inner creativity. Kelsey says, “There's a five piece band in my head that is trying to escape … I just hang onto the acoustic guitar and see what happens.” Altogether the thirteen tracks can be considered a collective work that is akin to a magical spell, all cast within thirteen potions of motion.

The musical adventure begins with the funky title track “The Way it Rolls.” It is set up with a unique intro to give the anticipation of adventure and it carries onward with a percussive stomp and acoustic interludes. The “Way it Rolls” sets the theme for the album which is not completed until the final track entitled “Roll.” “Roll” is the polar opposite of “The Way it Rolls.” and contains the same lyrics, but a completely different style and feel - a sense that your journey has come full circle.

Between these first and last tracks there are eleven more magical potions of motion. Songs such as “A Bus in Motion” and “Slow Moving Train” contain themes of physical movement set in different scenes. Another track that really stands out and sticks in your mind is “Wanderlust.” “Wanderlust” is the only instrumental composition on the album. It not only exemplifies Kelsey's renowned guitar skills, but it gives the listener a chance to escape, it's the soundtrack to any daydream. Kelsey is indeed a “Wizard of Muse” and he has cast another spell on his fans. If you've wanted a CD that can take you on a journey, this one is it. This is a potion of motion. However, it's not so much about where this journey goes, it's about the Way it Rolls!

Contact:
Michael Kelsey
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www.michaelkelsey.com
 

Born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, he began his musical journey weaving in and out of successful area bands as lead guitarist or bassist. Later he opened and ran a thriving recording studio, which after five years he retired in order to enable him to embark freely on his career as a solo artist.

His naturally soulful vocal illuminates carefully chosen lyrics that make his songs shimmer and shine. He plays expressively and manipulates the guitar to create a melodic fusion of alternate tunings and unorthodox hand positions allowing for him to achieve a full sound. The true beauty is in the way the song, the sound and the motion of his music unites. The songs, especially the lush instrumentals, can be reminiscent of the late, great Michael Hedges, but boast Kelsey’s personal percussive stamp, exceptional arrangement and deliberate instrumentation.

After performing an opening set for folk artist David Wilcox, David described Kelsey's show as “Cirque Du Soleil on acoustic guitar."

Kelsey’s abilities have enabled him to be noticed by many. A finalist in Guitar Player Magazine's national competition and winner of Guitar Center’s "Guitarmageddon," chosen as best unsigned guitarist out of over 3000 entrants nationwide says it all. He has toured nationally with Blind Melon and Dishwalla and has shared the stage with everyone from Adrian Legg to John Wesley Harding.

With a new CD out and an ever-constant touring schedule, Kelsey is definitely one of the hardest working one-man bands in the business. Catch this bright and energetic star on the rise while you can, his light will only shine brighter and further as he continues to inspire, entertain and rock all those who cross his path.