Kelly Thomas

Fly by Kelly Thomas & the Fabulous Pickups is an anthem to dysfunctional relationships. In the album's first track, "Hard Winter," Kelly introduces us to the hard-hearted object of her affections. In "Fly" Kelly urges her would be lover to take a chance on her, "you can see love as a freedom, or you might see a cage...I wanna fly high above my fears." She sweetens the offer in the sultry "Enough:" "you can look, you can touch, you can love baby, but not too much." The relationship moves from the come and go casualness of "Hello Goodbye," to the painful self-awareness of "Worse for the Wear,"and inevitably ends up with "Wish You Bad." As with all dysfunctional relationships, the initial breakup doesn't take, so Kelly dives once more into the troubled waters of her love. With several more songs that explore the explosive nature of her affair. The album reaches resolution with the beautifully tender, "High Time," where she is finally able to say goodbye for good ("you love to swim in the swill, but I love you still though I can't stand to see you this way. So I'm cutting the line, because you can't say goodbye to the booze and the pills and the pain.") Only after all ties are severed is Kelly's character able to fly away to her own freedom. In the triumphant "Fearless," Kelly embraces her new found freedom with gusto.Like someone who's been through Hell and has nothing left to fear she sets off to start a new chapter in her life. The album ends in the soothing emotional coda, "As I Abide." It's a gentle, acoustic intrumental; and perhpaps a fitting end to the story as sometimes the only way to get over a bad relationship is to stop talking (and thinking) about it.
Along this musical journey Kelly uses her vocal and emotional range to really bring the story to life. "Fly" is reminiscent of Roseanne Cash's "The Seven Year Ache." She conjures the sultriness of Elannah Myles for the tempting, "Enough." She also brings the intimacy of Margo Timmins (of Cowoby Junkies) to several songs including "Hello Goodbye." The Fabulous Pickups add to the depth of this album by changing tempos in perfect time with the narrative of the story. With mournful slide guitars and defiant electric guitar work, the Fabulous Pickups help capture all the highs and lows of this emotional roller coaster ride. But for those of us lucky enough toeavesdrop on this musical confessional, there are only highs. - Family Reunion Country

It was another ridiculously strong year for recordings by artists in Greater Cincinnati, making for another ridiculously hard-to-whittle-down list of the best releases from the past 365 days.

In past years, to prepare for our annual “year in local recordings” round-up, I would create one master list of all new albums (or EPs or singles, if they were good enough) and then start the surgery, carefully removing dozens and dozens of recordings until it was compact enough to fit in the paper without requiring CityBeat to use a font size only slightly larger than a speck of dust.

My master list for 2011 local releases, for the first time, easily reached 100. The fact that there were so many releases coming out of Greater Cincinnati in 2011 speaks to the increased accessibility and affordability of recording technology that has developed over the past few years. The fact that none of them were total garbage speaks to the wealth of talent in our music community.

So here, for the first time, are the Top 100 local releases of the year. In previous years, we would include short blurbs excerpted from CityBeat reviews and articles with each pick, but this time, in order to fit in the whole lot, we could only include detail on the Top 20. The entire list follows.

Use your pal Google (and the CityBeat.com archive) to search for these recordings online, and support local music by purchasing a download or CD and going to the artists’ shows. If you can’t find at least a handful that you really enjoy, then you simply don’t like music.

Eclipse – Around the World

Like a Cincy version of The Roots, Around the World showed Hip Hop/Funk/Rock/Jazz ensemble Eclipse to be a stunning collective of musicians with boundless creative energy and an encyclopedic knowledge of music.

Wussy – Strawberry

One of the more critically acclaimed bands from Cincinnati, Indie Rock quartet Wussy has managed to top itself with each new album. The band’s fourth, Strawberry, is not only the most accomplished record in the Wussy catalog — it’s also the band’s most dynamic, diverse and unforgettable.

The Cincy Brass – Ain’t Nuttin Louder

One of the most unique and entertaining bands on the local scene, this funky, horn-driven crew managed to capture its irresistible party vibe perfectly on its debut.

Ma Crow – Smoky Junction

A collection of covers and traditional old time songs, local Bluegrass great Ma Crow made a much welcome return to the record store bins with the full-length Smoky Junction, an ode to Crow’s friends, family and home.

The Guitars – High Action

High Action, the first “official” release by The Guitars, is an absolute stunner, seven songs’ worth of vintage Pop majesty. It’s glaringly obvious that the four Guitars members are hardcore record-heads and serious students of the classic eras of American Rock, Soul and Pop.

Shiny and the Spoon – Ferris Wheel

Folk Pop duo Shiny and the Spoon became a trio in 2011, but that still doesn’t explain the huge creative growth over just the past year or so. Ferris Wheel was like SATS going from black-and-white to full Technicolor, widescreen 3D.

Valley of the Sun – The Sayings of the Seers

VotS’s dynamic, riff-ridin’ sound could technically be put in the so-called “Stoner Rock” category, but there aren’t many hardcore stoners who could compose and arrange with the sophistication and smarts it so obviously took to make Sayings.

The Chocolate Horse – Beasts

With its dark, hypnotic and emotional allure, dynamic Indie crew The Chocolate Horse’s third (and best) album deservedly received the most attention yet for the band.

The Newport Secret Six – Licking River Rock Steady

Putting its own spin on traditional Ska, the former Duppy a Jamba reemerged as the Newport Secret Six and released this amazing, true-to-tradition long-player.

Kelly Thomas and the Fabulous Pickups – Fly

After numerous releases from her other projects, Thomas finally released the debut LP from her main band after almost a decade. Fly, a beautifully crafted, emotionally stirring Country/Roots effort, was worth the wait.

You, You’re Awesome – Good Point, Whoever Said That

After several EP releases, progressive Electronica duo You, You’re Awesome issued its first long-player, a solid slice of compelling, pleasurable entertainment regardless of your musical tastes.

Skeetones – Retrospektive

Already a regional live favorite, this “live Electronica band” released its first full-length which was a glorious take-home version of the band’s creative mix of various forms of Electro and Dance music and trancelike improv excursions.

The Seedy Seeds – Verb/Noun

The charming Seedys’ national profile continued to rise in 2011, thanks in large part to the impossibly catchy Verb/Noun, one of the best Indie Pop albums of the year.

Buffalo Killers – 3

On the hard-touring Buffalo Killers’ third album, the retro-tinged Psych Pop trio’s songwriting rea - City Beat, Mike Breen

As the year winds down, we'll be taking time off to spend with family and to reflect on the year that's passed. One of our great joys this year was being able to share with you some of our favorite new indie Country artists. So here's our list of best Country Albums of 2011, including many of our new friends. (The list is alphabetical, not ranked.)

Hayes Carll: KMAG YoYo
Beautifully sloppy underground Country.
Chicken Tractor Deluxe: Nightclub Jacks & Undertakers
Great retro charm.
Casey Donahew Band: Double Wide Dream
A double dose of Texas road house energy.
Michael Donner & Southern Renaissance: No Better Time
Poetic and beautifully arranged debut with punches of guitar flurry.
Family Reunion: Family Album
What can we say? We made it, we like it!
The Far West: The Far West
Good old fashioned cry in your beer country.
Merle Haggard: Working in Tennessee
Still working, still legendary.
Robert Earl Keen: Ready for Confetti
The party never ends for the seminal Texas songwriter.
Toby Keith: Clancy's Tavern
Another great sing along (drink along) collection from Toby.
Miranda Lambert: Four the Record
Her amazing hit streak continues.
Martina McBride: Eleven
Her most heartfelt album to date.
Brad Paisly: This Is Country Music
This is great guitar work, sly humor, and an all star musical guest list.
Steve Parry: The Fight Left in Me
Real cowboy songs that pack emotional punch.
Kelly Thomas & The Fabulous Pickups: Fly
An anthem to dysfuntional relationships.

Merry Christmas to all y'all! See you in 2012!
- Family Reunion Country

Kelly Thomas and the Fabulous Pickups, 'Fly'
We know writing can be cathartic. Doing it in song can also take emotional courage. That’s the take from vocalist Kelly Thomas’ CD of original songs – all honest, heart-wrenching and therapeutic – as she writes of personal pains, triumphs, break-ups and addictions.

Thomas is perhaps best known locally for her side projects rather than her main group, the Fabulous Pickups. She was in folk-rock band Second Sister over a decade ago; formed musician support group Rivertown Music Club; showcased female artists with a series of shows, One More Girl On a Stage; recorded a classic country duet album with Ryan Malott (“500 Miles to Memphis”), and formed such country/gospel tribute groups as the Tammy WhyNots and The Hayseed Tabernacle Choir.

But she has never released a full CD based on her own writing until now. Thomas lets loose with a searing emotional journey right from the first track on “Hard Winter,” a foreboding slow-burn epic. It’s followed by the title cut, perhaps expressing the album’s theme, “I want to fly high above my fears.” There are broken relationships of bands and boyfriends, loved ones lost to drugs, and the wrongs that friends inexplicably do to do friends. Thomas admits to “picking some scabs” to find the emotional honesty.

Thomas is rooted in old-time country, but this is not strictly a country album, with plenty of roots rock, honky tonk and even a touch of metal. However, Thomas is perhaps best on her from-the-gut country ballads like “Worse for the Wear” and “High Time.” The CD is a great showcase for local artists, starting with producer Mike Montgomery, who knows where to put the hooks, along with David Rhodes Brown, Brad Meinerding and Fabulous Pickup members John Bedinghaus, Jeff Boling and Sylvia Mitchell.
While some of the songs can be emotionally tough, the theme is hopeful and liberating, especially on “Fearless,” the closing track – as good a breakup rocker as you’ll hear – when Thomas sassily sings, “I love you, but I gotta go.”
- Cincinnati Enquirer, Rick Bird

A few months back I had the great honor and pleasure of visiting Kelly Thomas and some of her band cohorts in Avondale’s Candyland Studios as they were tweaking some of the songs for their upcoming album. Being the music buff that I am and having never stepped foot into a studio, I found myself stricken with awe at the sights of various instruments lying around and seeing engineer Mike Montgomery work his magic on the mixing board as musicians recorded in other rooms.

The album, which is the debut from Thomas and her band the Fabulous Pickups, is entitled Fly and was released digitally just a couple weeks ago. On Friday, November 18th, Thomas and her band will celebrate the physical release of the record with a show at Newport’s York Street Cafe.

If you’ve been around Cincinnati long enough, you’re probably well aware that Thomas has long been a fixture here. Not only is she an influence to and greatly respected by those involved in the music community, but she is an inspiration to many outside of that community, where she serves as a role model and mentor to young adults in her day-to-day life as a job readiness teacher for Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates. With her hands as full as they are, Thomas still somehow manages to find the time to make music.

Here’s a little more about Kelly:

In 1998 she formed Second Sister with Red MacCormack, to which in 2005 after his passing, she created a recording grant in his name. In 2003, she created the Rivertown Music Club, which has since raised over $10,000 to various local charities from concerts like One More Girl On A Stage. In 2006 she released a solo album, and in 2009, collaborated with 500 Miles to Memphis’ front man Ryan Malott for an album. The following year, she assembled an all-star cast known as the Hayseed Tabernacle Choir, for a gospel album. This year alone, she launched yet another all-star band called the Tammy WhyNots, who released their debut in April, which of course leads us to the present moment in time.

Did I mention that over the years Thomas has been nominated several times for various Cincinnati Entertainment Awards? This year, both the Fabulous Pickups and Tammy WhyNots are nominated in the “Country” genre, while the WhyNots are also up for “New Artist of the Year.” Voting in most of the categories is open to the public and you can cast your vote right here. The deadline for entries is at noon on November 11th.

Like much of her musical past, Thomas has surrounded herself with the best of the best. While the lineup of the Fabulous Pickups has been altered a bit over the years, longtime guitarists Jeff Boling (formerly of G. Burton & the Hyde Park Outrage) and John Bedinghaus (formerly of Straw Boss) still remain today.

The other musicians that make up what you’ll hear on Fly reads much like a who’s who among the Cincinnati music scene: Todd Lipscomb (Kentucky Struts, Tammy WhyNots), Brad Meinerding (Comet Bluegrass Allstars), Elton Clifton, violinist Sylvia Mitchell (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra), 500 Miles to Memphis members David Rhodes Brown (lap steel), Kevin Hogle (drums) and Noah Sugarman (bass), and of course the trio of lovely backup singers – Kristen Kreft, and Tupelo Honey’s Katie Weefer-Cook and Heather Turner.

Fly is one of those albums that continues to build throughout and gets noticeably better to the ear after each listen. Upon first listen, I felt that the opening number “Hard Winter” got it off to a rather slow start. After just a few listens however, I would quickly take back that ridiculous notion.

The song sets the tone and only raises the bar for what is to come. At about the minute-and-a-half mark Kelly’s voice begins to rise gracefully, leading the band into great heights of toe-tapping drums and twangy, blues-infused guitar licks, followed by Mitchell’s moving fiddle and the sweet harmonies from the trio of backing singers. It leaves you feeling anxious.

As a band primarily rooted in country music, Fly actually takes on sounds that would appeal to a wide range of music fans of all styles and ages. Much of the album is filled with upbeat country rockers, but you’ll find that Thomas and the Pickups manage to squeeze in all types of styles in each song ranging from Americana to blues to folk to pop and to Soul.

I think you’ll even find a few instant classics in this collection. “Hello Goodbye”, written with Lipscomb, and “Fearless” both take on more of a honky tonk sound with great bluesy guitar licks and fiddle solos traded back and forth throughout, while “Worse for the Wear”, also written with Lipscomb, is more of a throwback to the early 90's alt-country movement with a familiar touch of 500 Miles to Memphis, thanks to Brown’s lap steel playing.

“Enough” is like a smokey, slow-burning casual ride through eerie licks of fiddle and repetitive guitars, while “High Time”, in similar fancy, leaves you imagining that you’re slow dancing with and holding the one you love the most close - Nate Rosing, brokenmic.com

There is an old adage that goes, “Those who can’t do, teach.” As with a lot of old phrases, it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but that doesn’t stop people from using it.

The phrase loses even more of its power when applied to local singer/songwriter Kelly Thomas. A teacher by profession and musician by passion, Thomas is a performer and mentor. She does what she teaches and teaches what she does.

Thomas is a talker. Speaking with her about her first Kelly Thomas and the Fabulous Pickups disc, Fly, makes you wish for fresh batteries in the voice recorder. But the discussion isn’t just idle chatter; Thomas is someone who’s seen it all (or at least more than you have) and is more than willing to talk about it.

“This album is bookending a 10-year period that has been about lots of growth, lots of loss, lots of rebirth,” Thomas says.

Thomas’ decade-long journey is easy to hear in Fly. Themes of love, loss, recovery and moving on cycle through the album, drawing a long, winding path though Thomas’s life experiences. And these aren’t cherry-picked events, either. Thomas had little choice in her material; the lyrics often wrote themselves.

“This album insisted on being written now,” Thomas says.

With a voice recorder and notepad on her nightstand, Thomas’ words would wake her up and not let go until they were captured on tape or paper.

Bringing the album together took more than just Thomas’ lyrics. Fellow Pickups John Bedinghaus and Jeff Boling, several local musical heavy-hitters and local producing veteran Mike Montgomery all worked long and hard to make sure the musicianship of Fly was just as dynamic as Thomas’ words. The inspirations ranged from Honky Tonk and Country to Jazz and Blues.

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Many songs have a Rolling Stones vibe, which makes the “Beast of Burden” cover all the more appropriate.

Fly is the Pickups’ first album, which might seem surprising, given how long the band has been together. But musicians are notorious for their side projects, and Thomas is no different. Between another band (The Tammy WhyNots), a dynamic duo with a local music mainstay (Kelly Thomas and Ryan Malott, of 500 Miles to Memphis) and an old-school Gospel group (The Hayseed Tabernacle Choir), in addition to loads of charity work through the Rivertown Music Club (which Thomas founded), finding time to write and record was an arduous task. The RMC was an especially complicated endeavor. The group handed out grants to up-and-coming bands, giving many of them their first big breaks. Thomas’ work with RMC helped cement her reputation as a teacher and mentor to local acts, a persona she continues to pursue, even after ending RMC.

RMC grew out of catharsis for Thomas, teaching others to help Thomas move on from a failed relationship and broken musical venture. “I created a life raft for myself,” Thomas says, when thinking about the early days of the group.

Now that RMC is officially no more, Thomas continues to share her knowledge with younger bands, a practice not always evident in local music scenes, where there is often a competitive spirit between groups. When you combine egos, struggles for shows, press and other factors, sometimes the brotherhood of musicians can be quite the dysfunctional family.

Thomas rails against this notion, saying, “If I know something, why wouldn’t I share it?”

Thomas’ long career as both an artist and mentor has helped her move past trappings many younger bands fall into.

“I’m not competitive about music,” she says. “The only competition is with myself.”

Thomas sees the successes of one band as the successes of all and should be celebrated as such.

“When other people win that I’ve supported, I win,” she says. “If somebody’s successful and I helped … then that’s me too.”

But Thomas would be the first to admit that she isn’t some all-knowing sage who understands every nuance of the music business. In between discussions of lyricism and the recording process, Thomas comments on social media, YouTube and how she could better utilize both. In many ways, the teacher is still learning herself. Like any good student, Thomas’ thirst for knowledge is what drives her toward her goals. For her, learning more from her peers is a deceptively simple affair.

“Doing my album, I found out lots of stuff about marketing it, getting it reviewed … by talking to other bands,” she says. “So, I just asked them.”

Perhaps that is Thomas’ greatest strength — her honesty and forwardness. If she wants to know something, she asks. If something needs said, whether it’s to an up-and-coming singer or in a song, she says it. If she knows something that others don’t, she shares it. Her passion and truth comes out in everything from casual conversations to her newest work.

In Fly, “There are two words that appear more than any other: fear and hope,” Thomas says. “And it’s in the whole album, literally, the whole album. That’ - City Beat, By Nick Greever, Nov 9, 2011