Kelli Baker got her start singing in Phoenix gospel choirs, but now regularly performs at New York venues such as The Bitter End and The Cutting Room. She's a powerful singer who mixes blues, rock, and soul with her vivid songwriting. She recently signed with Gulf Coast Records and has been performing with Mike Zito, Samantha Fish, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. She also was the winner of the 2024 Blues Revival Competition in Nashville.

Baker recently issued her first Gulf Coast release, the EP Granite, which includes six tracks. She's backed by Italian guitarist/harmonica ace Noé Socha and a tight rhythm section led by Tom Curiano on drums.

“Silk Flowers” opens the disc, a gritty tune about the difficulties of maintaining a relationship. Baker pretty much pulls out all the stops vocally on this introductory track, so listeners know immediately what's in store for the rest of the EP.

“Right On Time” is a funky blues on which Baker's vocals go from tender and sultry to tough and soulful, with guitarist Socha really cooking throughout the number. These guys make a pretty impressive team.

“The Call” is a voice mail from Baker's father, who passed away when they were apart, and he tries to give her encouragement and to brace her for the potential struggles ahead, telling her that he's behind her and that he loves her. It serves as a poignant introduction to the haunting title track, “Granite (Badlands),” which deals with his loss and her sorrow for not being with him when he died. It's an incredibly moving performance, with just Baker and Socha on guitar and harmonica.

“Where Did You Sleep Last Night,” mostly known by blues fans from Lead Belly's version, is simply stunning as Baker moves from a weary whisper to a full-bodied scream. The lighthearted and lusty “Love In the Sheetz” is a nice change of pace, and the band has a good time performing this one.

The closer is from The Allman Brothers Band, one of their signature track, “Whipping Post.” Baker does an excellent job on vocals and Socha is phenomenal on guitar, making their interpretation of this classic one of the best I've heard.

When it's all said and done, six songs just ain't enough Kelli Baker, so she and Gulf Coast better get to work on a follow-up soon. She's an outstanding vocalist, with Socha complementing her wonderfully on guitar and harp. Blues rock fans are strongly encouraged to check out Granite.

--- Graham Clarke