Kelly's Lot

Biography

Kelly's Lot is a blues and blues rock band founded in 1994 by Kelly Zirbes, a singer-songwriter originally rooted in folk music. The band was formed when Kelly, encouraged by bassist Alex Rylance, transitioned from solo acoustic performances to assembling a full band and quickly became a fixture in the Los Angeles music scene, debuting at the Roxy in Hollywood. Early members included Homero Chavez (drums), Greg Granieri (bass), and David Walsh (guitar), with their initial sound blending folk rock and singer-songwriter sensibilities.[3][1]

The band's musical direction shifted significantly in 1996 when Texas guitarist and soundman Perry Robertson joined. Robertson not only produced their live album at the Troubadour but also brought Southern Rock and Texas Blues influences, deepening the band's blues orientation. Over three decades, Kelly's Lot has released 17 albums and toured extensively across the USA and Europe, performing at major festivals such as BeachLife Ranch, Waterfront Blues Festival, and Nuits de Sologne. Their style is characterized by heartfelt blues, energetic rock, and Americana, with Kelly's emotive vocals and Perry's bluesy guitar work at the core.[1][4][7]

Kelly's Lot is celebrated for their longevity, versatility, and commitment to the blues genre, often performing as anything from a duo to an eight-piece band. Their music has appeared in films and television, and their collaborative approach—especially between Kelly and Perry—has resulted in a dynamic catalog that spans folk, blues, rock, and roots. The band continues to evolve, recently releasing 'The Blues Remind Me' in 2024 and planning a new roots/rock album, 'Late Bloomer,' for August 2025.[1][5][7]

Fun Facts

• Kelly's Lot taught blues music to children at a school in Scotland, introducing the genre to a new generation.[4]
• Kelly Z often challenges herself to write songs in just two hours, sometimes using single-word prompts from fans on social media.[7]
• Their music has been featured in movies and television and covered by other artists.[7]
• The band celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024 with a new blues album and international touring, including performances in France, Ireland, and Croatia.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Kelly Zirbes' Mother - Early musical inspiration through exposure to blues and standards at home (N/A) [Childhood]
• Cat Stevens - Major lyrical and stylistic influence, especially in positive outlook and songwriting (General influence on lyrics) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Perry Robertson - Guitarist, producer, co-songwriter, joined in 1996 and shaped the band's blues/rock sound (Live at the Troubadour, Can't Take My Soul, Another Sky, The Blues Remind Me) [1996–present]
• Alex Rylance - Bass player, helped form the band and transition Kelly from folk to bandleader (Early LA circuit performances) [1994–mid 1990s]
• Mo Beeks - Keyboard player/singer, featured on 2023 single and 2024 album (I Gotta Sing The Blues, The Blues Remind Me) [2023–2024]
• Homero Chavez, Greg Granieri, David Walsh - Original band members (drums, bass, guitar) (Early LA performances) [1994–mid 1990s]
• Doug Pettibone - Collaborated on recording contemporary folk and roots rock songs (Another Sky) [2020]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. House of the Rising Sun (Pastrami and Jam)
2. Foolish Try (Another Sky)
3. Mama's Blues (The Blues Remind Me)
4. Man In The Moon (The Blues Remind Me)
5. Pied Piper (Late Bloomer)
6. Terry (Late Bloomer)
7. Angels We Have Heard on High (Local Love Holiday Album)
8. Angels We Have Heard on High (The Local Love Project Holiday Album: The Spirit of Giving)
9. I Gotta Sing The Blues (The Blues Remind Me)
10. Boogie Bus (The Blues Remind Me)

External Links

• Spotify