My Baby & The Band
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
It’s been a few years since we’ve heard from Josh Kelley, and here the singer-songwriter and devoted husband and father to 3 children returns with an album about this family, where themes about relationships, growth and, of course, all the joy of family life are presented in a forthright manner.
“We Don’t Need The Money” starts with plenty of rhythm and blues as Kelley’s warm pipes are as inviting as the soulful backing vocals, and “If That’s Alright” flows with falsetto singing in a highly melodic landscape of organ friendly fun.
Halfway through, “Hold My Hand” features All Voices in the piano focused and gospel influenced climate, while “Loves You Like Me” resides in heartfelt balladry with Kelley’s strong singing making an impression. “I Want You Tonight”, an album highlight, then recruits a danceable beat in its pop influenced template that’s sleek enough for the FM dial.
Deeper yet, “Back To You” is a playful and rhythmic display of timeless song craft, and “Busy Making Memories” exits the listen with sublime acoustic guitar in a bare environment that’s intimate and touching.
Not only does Kelley sing songs about his family, but his kids provide backing vocals on the album, and his wife, Katherine Heigl, is on the cover. Certainly never one to shy away from expanding his creative vision, Kelley shifts into daring textures on this career highlight that he’ll hopefully explore more of in the future, too.
Travels well with: Jon McLaughlin- Promising Promises; Dave Barnes- Stories To Tell