One music critic described blues-rock guitarist Kelly Richey as “Stevie Ray Vaughan trapped in a woman’s body with Janis Joplin screaming to get out.”
That alone should tempt you to grab a seat for her Tuesdayconcert in Seattle.
Richey was obsessed with the guitar at an early age.
“I never set it down. I took it to school, I took it to the kitchen table and if I took a walk, it was strapped on,” Richey said.
School was difficult (she was dyslexic) but she could excel with the guitar. Her dedication opened up a professional path, one that can include up to 200 touring dates a year and has developed a reputation for no-holds-barred concerts.
Her trademark is a powerful picking hand that makes her stand out in the crowd of blues-rockers. Richey’s recorded about 10 CDs, but her new one, “Speechless,” is a gritty all-instrumental production, a salute to her guitar heroes including Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Pat Matheny and Michael Hedges.
Rodrigo y Gabriela. They started in a Mexican thrash metal band but a sense of wanderlust and a need to explore their musical options led them to Ireland, where they electrified audiences with high-speed contemporary classical and acoustic jazz with elements of Latin jazz, folk, funk and metal. Their 2004 CD became the first instrumental live album to crack the Irish top 10. Tonight, Seattle.
Jamie Cullum. The British pianista and vocalist is back with “Catching Tales,” his follow to 2004’s reworking of jazz standards in “Twentysomething,” which sold more than 2 million units and earned a Grammy nomination. Once passionate about Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pharcyde and Public Enemy, Cullum has found a niche with a crossover style of melodic jazz, pop and rock. Tonight, Seattle.
Mitch Woods. Blues and boogie pianist Woods is celebrating the release of “Mitch Woods Big Easy Boogie” with performances that include Reggie Houston, an original member of the Fats Domino Band. “I’m a boogie-woogie and blues piano player for the most part but I also incorporate other styles within that, like the New Orleans influence,” Woods said. His new recording has 13 original songs written in New Orleans. Tonight and Saturday, Seattle.
Regina Spektor. The Russian-born singer and songwriter grew up listening to her father’s bootleg tapes of Western pop and rock musicians. Trained in classical piano, Spektor soon discovered blues and jazz. Although she sings many stories and character studies, her music has been categorized as anti-folk because of its very literate references, from Ernest Hemingway to “The Little Prince” to Ezra Pound and Eleanor Roosevelt. Thursday, Seattle.
Susana Baca. The first Peruvian to win a Latin Grammy for her folk album, “Lamento Negro,” Baca has become a respected diva in South America and personally responsible for the revival of some forms of Afro-Peruvian folklore. Her work has helped preserve the musical heritage of West African slaves who were brought to Peru in the 16th century. Thursday through Oct. 29, Seattle.
ReBirth Brass Band. From the streets of New Orleans to venues around the world, RBB musicians continue to boost the brass-band tradition while adding their signature heavy funk style. The band once did a six-week tour with Ani DiFranco, performed at festivals from Montreaux Jazz to Glastonbury in Great Britain. Tuesday and Wednesday, Seattle.
Bill Staines. Nancy Griffith once said of Staines: “He carries on where Woody left off.” Perhaps it’s the 30-plus years of singing about slices of Americana, or the 65,000 miles a year that he drives crisscrossing the U.S. to play in venues from coffeehouses to festivals. Saturday, Seattle.
The Ovulators. The all-female rock band is on the road with a self-titled album. Actually they’re alien beings of sound and light turned into human female form trying to communicate to us through vibratory language (otherwise known as rock ‘n’ roll) but please don’t tell Homeland Security. Tonight, Seattle.
Where to see them
Kelly Richey, 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Highway 99 Blues Club, 1414 Alaskan Way, Seattle; $7; 206-382-2171.
Rodrigo y Gabriela, 7 p.m. tonight, Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., Seattle; $20, $25; 206-628-0888.
Jamie Cullum, 8 p.m. tonight, Paramount, 911 Pine St., Seattle; $25-35; 2060628-0888.
Mitch Woods, 8:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, Highway 99 Blues Club, 1414 Alaskan Way, Seattle; $12, 21 and older; 206-382-2171.
Regina Spektor, 8 p.m. Thursday, Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $17; 206-628-0888.
Susana Baca, various times Thursday through Oct. 29, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $28.50; 206-628-0888.
ReBirth Brass Band, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $28.50; 206-441-9729.
Bill Staines, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Unitarian Universalist Church, 14724 First Ave. NE, Shoreline; $7.50 to $15; 206-528-8523.
The Ovulators, 7 p.m. tonight, Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave., Seattle; $7; 206-784-4880.
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