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"Stevie Ray Vaughan trapped in a woman's body with Janis Joplin screaming to get out."
That's how blues guitarist Kelly Richey was described by one music critic, and it's a pretty good description! Solid songwriting, impassioned vocals, and a fierce guitar all add up to a sonic assault that is Kelly Richey. Add to that a live show that is non-stop intensity, and you've got yourself a winner.
Kelly Richey got her start in 1986 when she joined Stealin' Horses, a band from Lexington, KY who had signed with Arista Records though Kelly left prior to the band's debut release, which had noted guitarist - and "Guitar Gods" interviewee - Steve Lukather handling many of the guitar duties. When Kelly left, she formed the blues-rock outfit The Kelly Richey Band, a band which has since gone on to tour the world, perform with blues legends like Lonnie Mack and Albert King.
She relocated to Cincinnati a few years later and started her own record label, Sweet Lucy Records, through which she has released almost a dozen CDs and a live concert DVD. She has also won numerous awards (Best Blues/R&B Band, Best Musician, etc.).
In addition to a grueling recording and performance schedule, Kelly maintains a private teaching studio as well as a recording studio, and is also actively involved in community outreach through the Cincinnati Arts Association where she is an official CAA "Artist On Tour" as well as through her own non-profit organization. In 2006, Richey created Music for Change to help enhance music education in public schools.
You can get much more info and check out her music at her web-site.
I had a chance to speak to Kelly recently. Check it out!
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1) What are your current projects?
I just completed a new CD titled "Carry The Light". It's an all original release and I'm very excited about it!!! 
2) How does this (do these) differ from your past work?
This new CD is a defining moment for me as an artist. I have a wonderful writing team and an amazing band! The passion that I feel for music and the issues that motivate me to continue to move forward as an artist are expressed in this new piece of work. I feel that music can hep to heal a very divided country and hopefully aide in reminding listeners to tune in to the ever so important issues of our day. We have an opportunity to come together and help create change. It's an exciting time if we heed the call...
3) Do you have one project that you are most proud of as a guitarist?
The new CD is my favorite work thus far with "Speechless" close behind. With that said, I've never released a CD that didn't place strong focus on the guitar.
4) Can you give our readers a run-down of your basic gear (live and/or studio), and do you have a favorite piece of gear?
My old 65' strat is my favorite piece of "gear" by far!!! Currently I'm using a Fender Delux Reverb amp, Boogie 1 x 12 EVM external speaker cabinet, Sennheiser Wireless Unit, Vox Wah, two Ibanez Tube Screamers (both on at the same time 95% of the time), Ernie Ball volume pedal and a Boss GT3 for delays and harmonizer. I listed the effects in order as they appear in the chain. I use some combination of my live rig at home in my own studio and go to larger studios to benefit from multiple amps, a larger mic selection, a larger room for mic placement...etc. Note: 75% of "Carry The Light" was recorded in Cincinnati at ATS Studios in Cincinnati, the rest was cut at my home studio...ie...guitar leads, a few rhythm guitar parts and to vocals. 
5) Who would you cite as early influences, and who are you favorite new players?
In order they would be, via a time-line: Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Roger Fisher, Roy Buchannan, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Lonnie Mack.
6) Can you give a few tips to aspiring players?
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and learn to work well with others!!!
7) What are your future plans?
We have a great tour schedule this summer and fall and are kicking of a west coast tour next week. We've released the CD to press and radio and have high hopes for the new CD, "Carry The Light". I have already begun writing for the next project.
8) Thanx for talking to us, Kelly!
You are very welcome!!! Thank you for asking!
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Thanks KRB - you guys rock.
Keep doing what your doing hon, your doing it just right! Hugz and Good Luck on the tour!! Jimbo