With a powerhouse voice dripping with a haunting sensuality that slips easily into growling old school blues-tones, Kelli Baker speaks her heart like a beat poet in a late night dive. Her music is an amalgamation of authentic blues/rock and heart-on-her-sleeve singer/songwriter pop with folk/gospel roots.
Known in some circles as “The Phoenix”, she was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to NYC in 2012 with $500 in cash, chasing the heels of Hurricane Sandy. Learning music like so many others in the church choir, Kelli graduated to fronting a hard rock band and a folk duo, writing her own music at an early age and appearing regularly at iconic NYC music houses such as The Bitter End, The Cutting Room and Rockwood Music Hall.
Her track, “Blood on the Nile” was met with critical acclaim, landing on Spotify’s coveted editorial playlist, “Blues Roots," as well as as commercial airplay on the UK’s #1 country music station and a headline feature in Guitar Girl Magazine. She has also been featured in Relix Magazine and The Tedeschi Trucks Podcast.
Her commanding performance and has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Chris Cornell, Susan Tedeschi and Aretha Franklin. Her dynamic blues tones and gospel nods have been called a kind of ethereal blues. Her major influences are The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Jane’s Addiction, The Black Crowes, Bonnie Raitt, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Neil Young.
The Kelli Baker Band features Kelli Baker on guitar & vocals, Matthew Hoyer on bass and Andrew Dwork on drums/percussion.
“Kelli’s powerful voice and stage presence captivated the entire audience, leaving us in awe and craving for more. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her undeniable talent as a Blues powerhouse.” - Seti, Terra Blues, NYC
“Kelli is without exaggeration the most electrifying singer we've had on our stage... and we've had many hundreds!” - Jamey Reilly, Jamey’ House of Music