"Singer/songwriter, John Keller, thrills the audience with his original music..."
- Mid-York Weekly.
A native of Utica, New York, John Keller had been playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager. Since that time, he has honed his skills to become a well-received performer/songwriter, as well as a sideman with several musical projects.
John Keller is currently singer/guitarist with the country-rock band, Overall Junction. He has also been involved with The Jack Bros. (Bluegrass), Friends, Strangers & Callgirls (Blues), & What About Eve? (Classic rock).
His talents are best reflected in his solo ventures, which the Rome Observer defined as "lively...original musical art." His CD releases include, 'Words We Say, Words We Read' (2000), the 4 track 'The Christmas EP' (2001) and the current album, 'Grazin' at the Margins.' Each contain fan favorites i.e. "Age of Modern Man", "Don't Walk Away", "The Light", and "Make Me Believe." The Rome Observer described the music as "... a mixture of bluegrass fronting a breath of chunky blues, love ballads and Americana folk tunes." His vocals have been thought of as "... swinging from Dr. John's growl to (Roy) Orbison's vocal caress..." And quoting from The Life and Times of Oneida County, "... intriguing vocals... circumscribe the refined arrangements...his guitar creates rich and resonant melodies..." John is presently at work on his third full-length album, a completely solo effort in the 'Springsteen Nebraska' style.
Furthermore, he has produced albums for others. On one in particular, Kevin Keating's "Tales from the Inner Highway," John produced, sang, and played guitar, harmonica, and percussion.
John's music has been heard on Central NY radio, including WKLL, WRCK, and WRUN, and as far away as WMNF Tampa Florida.
John has been a mainstay on the 'Java Circuit', performing the stages of Virgo Bat & Leo Phrog's Coffeehouse, The Black Cow, Happy Endings, et. al. He's performed at colleges, clubs, family venues and festivals. These include SUNYIT Utica/Rome, Utica College, The Rock and Roll Preserve (Club Amnesia), Betsy the Barge in Marcy NY, The Lionheart Blues Café in Albany, as well as Mountain Jam, SoulFlow, and Harvest Celebration.
John has performed in many benefit shows. In fact, a portion of the sales from his Christmas EP, goes to the American Red Cross.
John also organized the Acoustic Showcase series held at the Rock and Roll Preserve, which helped promote local musicians.
He has also contributed music columns to the Life & Times of Utica and the College Crier newspapers.
Besides being a performing musician, John is President of The Utica Music Alliance & Resource Center, Inc. (UMARC). UMARC is a non-profit organization designed to encourage and promote the creation of original music in the Mohawk Valley, help provide musicians with the resources on and for the business of music, as well as expose the public to the art of music.
When not performing, John can be found at his internationally known records and collectibles store - Off-Center Records - which specializes in hard to find vinyl recordings from the 40s through today. Occasionally, he hosts in-store concerts in the spring and summer, featuring local and regional musicians.
Music runs through the heart and soul of John Keller, and he wouldn't want it any other way.
Contact/booking:
John Keller/Off-Center Records
116 Bleecker St.
Utica, NY 13501
Ph/fax 315-738-7651
E-mail offcen1@aol.com
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