Kimi Hayes

I listen to this album at least once a week - or I try to. I have hundreds of discs - this one is in the top ten for songwriting and musicianship. Buy it and reward yourself for spending the money well. - cd baby

The Kimi Hayes Band returns with Red 14 (Happy Mellows Music), and, as you might expect, there is a bluesy edge to a number of the tunes by this Chicago-based unit, from the country-tinged “Watered-Down Whiskey” to the gamble of the title track to the anti-sexist slap of “Pretty Lil Thang”. With “Safe At Home”, the album’s bravest same-sex love statement, Hayes and company paint the blues red.
- BALTIMORE OUTLOUD/Gregg Shapiro

I LOVE THIS TUNE. IT'S GOT FIRE, GOOD LYRICS, GREAT POCKET, AND I CAN TELL THAT THE SINGER IS HAVING A GOOD TIME. THIS MAKES THE LISTENER HAVE THE SAME GOOD TIME. THE SINGER'S STYLE IS HOT AND SASSY. GREAT JOB!

THE ONLY THING I CAN SAY IS THAT I CAN'T WAIT TO THIS GIRL ON THE RADIO. YOU ARE REALLY GREAT!

JOE VITALE SR.
CREDITS

JOE HAS PRODUCED ALBUMS WITH JOE WALSH, CROSBY STILLS NASH AND YOUNG, STEPHEN STILLS, TO NAME A FEW. HE HAS ALSO CO-WRITTEN SONGS WITH THESE SAME ARTISTS, AS WELL AS DON FELDER AND MORE. AND JOE HAS RECORDED AND OR TOURED WITH THE EAGLES, JOHN LENNON, JOE WALTH, RINGO STARR, BOZ SKAGGS, PETER FRAMPTON, TED NUGENT, NEIL YOUNG, CSNY, RICK DERRINGER, THE BEACH BOYS AND OTHERS. JOE CONTINUES TO TOUR THE WORLD AND IS CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD WITH CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH.

- Joe Vitale

Janis Joplin was arguably the greatest female bluesrocker of them all. Though there were many singers with much more God given vocal talent, it was her passion, and spirit that her fans found so energizing. This is, I suppose, the primary reason that I have love this genre for so long, as I have drawn such incredible energy from the best of its artists.

Chicago based folk/blues/rock vocalist Kimi Hayes is not the second coming of Janis Joplin, but she has definitely been manifested in her spirit. Hayes most recent release, "Simply Live" would have been more appropriately titled "Simply Sensational", as it is exactly that. This special CD, hopefully, will serve as a "coming out" recording from which the world will begin to discover the incredible talents of this wonderful artist.

Hayes is somewhat a composite of Pearl and Etta James, possessing both Joplin's grit and James' guts. She is at home and totally competent, singing either ballads or hard driving rock, sometimes sultry and at other times sweaty but at all times right on the money. Her petite and pretty exterior gives no suggestion of the raging volcano of explosive energy which lies within her vocal chords and heart. She successfully blends current and past elements of blues, rock, folk, country into a fabulous sound that can only be described as American music. And, it is American music at its very finest.

There are plenty of musicians who play together these days, but Kimi Hayes is a part of a REAL band in the truest sense. The players here are all gifted but it the intangible of what can only be called chemistry that separate artists like this from all others. After listening to guitarist Mike Aquino on the first two tracks of the CD, I thought to myself "a very nice player, maybe not spectacular". But, by the time I had heard the CD completely through, I had turned my computer chair towards Chicago in his honor. Paula Marr on bass and Don Devereaux on drums are as solid and tasteful a rhythm section as a band could want. And, these players, along with Ms. Hayes on acoustic rhythm guitar, play well with and off of each other. Also, 5 of the 9 tracks are well written Kimi Hayes originals. Bands like this remind me why that I have such a love for passionate independent artists, as they are truly producing the finest music in America today.

Each track on the CD is excellent, but if I have to chose favorites, they would be Hayes' gut wrenching cover of Janis' "Move Over", her original track and tribute to the 9-11 tragedy "Shores of Liberty" (one of the best 9-11 tributes I have heard), and her cover of the Etta James' classic "I'd Rather Go Blind". The CD concludes with the best track on the set, a scorching Kimi Hayes original "On The Run", which should be listed in the dictionary as the official definition of "blues/rock music".

"Simply Live" comes with the Bluesrockers official "sell your plasma, dig in the couch for lost change, or pawn your favorite bird dog if you need cash to buy it" seal of approval. The CD, along with two other of Kimi Hayes' titles are available from our favorite online shop at http://www.cdbaby.com/. Please visit the band at their official web site at http://www.kimihayes.com/ and tell them Bluesrockers sent you.
- Bluesrockers.com

CD Review is brand new to NextCelebs.com and for the inaugural review I chose Red 14 by the Kimi Hayes Band.
Red 14 is a perfect example of a CD that has just the right mix. From high-energy songs such as 'April Rain', 'Never Fade' and the title track to the more soulful tracks like 'Take the Pain' and 'Give It All', this CD really delivers. Kimi's ability to translate life experiences into music can be heard on my favorite track - 'Watered Down Whiskey'.
As for Kimi herself, if you were to combine Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge into a 5'3" package, my guess is that the result would resemble Ms. Kimi Hayes.
Another release by the Kimi Hayes Band well worth picking up is Porcupine Girl. You can find out more about the Kimi Hayes Band at www.KimiHayes.com

-- Jerry Evilla (Next Celebs Founder)
- Jerry Evilla

"Porcupine Girl" (available now from Happy Mellows Music Co.) is as good a disc as any released this year. A collection of smart songs played with a dash of attitude and dollop of style, this disc blends country without cloying and pop without preening.
The honesty of the songwriting is supported by Hayes' versatile vocal delivery. She simmers when she needs to, but knows when to relax and let the natural beauty of her gift speak for itself.
Drummer Ed Breckenfeld creates the intricate rhythms in places where other drummers might be content to keep a straight beat, specifically on the beautiful "If I Had My Way".
Guitarist Mike Aquino and bassist Paula Marr also understand the music well enough to know when to flourish and when to sit back and let Hayes shine. Keyboardist Steve Stroz augments the soundscapes sweetly.

Chicago Arts and Entertainment
November 2001 - Chicago Arts & Entertainment/ Paul Barile

Kimi Hayes Band is best known for upbeat pop-flavored girl tunes. Red 14 is a professionally clean recording of the seductively feminine originals that make the band a favorite at festivals and clubs in their hometown, Chicago.

Hayes belts out deep emotions, uses breathy phrasings, and adds texture and color to her alto vibrato. All twelve originals were written and arranged in varying combinations by guitarist Aquino, bandleader Hayes and bassist Paula Marr. The result is a youthful-but-mature collection of pleasant, listenable expressions of the heart.
- Lisa Palmeno - musicstreetjournal.com