Michael Doherty's Music Log: Kelly's Lot Returns To The Roar Room, 8-23-26

Kelly's Lot is back in Los Angeles after a tour that took the band up through northern California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho. And to celebrate the return, the full band, including the horn section, played a few sets at The Roar Room yesterday. It was an early show, starting just after 5 o' clock. "Let's play some music," Kelly Zirbes said, and the band launched into "It Ain't Always." Kicking the show off with a song with a great groove and positive vibes, the horns shining immediately. I am at my most optimistic when listening to music like this, and this band is particularly adept at creating music that makes us feel that humanity still has a good chance of getting on course, of creating a world that benefits all its citizens, not just the rich and greedy. Perry Robertson delivered a cool lead on guitar, and after that song, Kelly began telling the crowd a bit about the tour. Fourteen gigs in sixteen days. That's crazy. She mentioned how by the end of the first gig in San Francisco, where the band had a great crowd, she lost her voice. But fortunately it returned the next day, when they had a show in Reno. "Revolving Door" followed "It Ain't Always." "You tell me that I'm special/Is that what you're telling her?" That song featured a nice lead by Bill Johnston on saxophone. Then "Can't Take My Soul" featured some delicious stuff by Mike Sauer on drums.

In "Just Tell Me The Truth," Kelly asked, "Can we all get along?" It was a question that was asked honestly, a question that has certainly been in the air lately. I'm not sure we can (the evidence seems to indicate it's unlikely). But as far as truth, the saxophone was certainly telling the truth. The truth is heard in music, and perhaps it is for that reason that I've been under the impression that we could get along if we all listened to some good music. It's worth giving it a try, right? This song also featured some cool work on guitar. It was followed by "Aces," another fun number, with some excellent energy and more good stuff from the horn players. And then the band switched gears, delivering a beautiful rendition of "Mama's Blues," featuring an outstanding vocal performance and an equally moving saxophone lead. The band changed gears again with a delightful rendition of "Lock Me Up," the song even having a "cha cha cha" ending. "Boom Boom Boom" featured great leads from Bill on saxophone and Mo Beeks on keys. There were some nice, surprising moments from the horns. Then "Taking Time" included a wonderful lead by Matt McFadden on bass at one point. The band wrapped up the first set with a fun rendition of "Right Now," featuring some great drumming, and Perry letting loose on guitar. The set ended just after 6 o' clock.

It was a short set break. The band was back on stage less than twenty minutes later, with Kelly encouraging everyone, "Some funky blues, baby, come on!" And, indeed, the second set opened with a funky blues gem, "Train." The song had a gloriously funky and fun groove. And when Kelly sang, "It's what I need, it's what I need to do," we all felt that same need. The band jammed on this one, which I loved, and they did not hold back at all. Some wild energy. When they finished the song, it seemed impossible that it was only the first song of the set. Interestingly, it was the only original song of the entire second set. Unusual for a band known mainly for its original material. Kelly talked a bit more about the tour, and then led the band into "Route 66," with Kurt Kassulke joining her on vocals. There was great stuff from both Bill and Gary Bivona on saxophone and trumpet respectively. Kurt remained on stage then for "Mockingbird." The band got into the groove before the vocals came in, and there were some false starts, but that was part of the fun. That song ended with just the bass, which was cool.

A cover of "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" followed that, with Kurt again on backing vocals. This was a fun rendition, with a great lead on saxophone and a delicious lead on guitar. During the jam, Kelly left the stage, as she sometimes like to dance with folks in the audience. It was clear that when Perry finished his guitar lead, the band expected Kelly to be back. But then she was at the bar, forcing the band to call to her. That added to the fun of this wonderful, loose version. The song had a particularly delicious ending, especially Mike's work on drums. Who would have guessed that "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" would be a set highlight? But it was. That was followed by "Faith," the George Michael song, another fun choice, and the last of the songs to feature Kurt on vocals. He and Kelly sounded especially good together on this one. The band wrapped up this relatively short set with a nice rendition of "Walkin' After Midnight." The set ended at 7 o' clock.

Seventeen minutes later the band was back on stage, opening the final set with "Hush Up," with yet another excellent lead on saxophone. That was followed by "Boogie Bus." And I think by then everyone was on board. Mo delivered some very cool work on keys. After a brief discussion about what to do next, Kelly turned to the crowd and said, "Raise your hand if you made a mistake today." Ah, but when I'm enjoying music like this, any mistakes I might have made disappear from my thoughts. The song the band chose was "Reason For The Blues," and it featured some great stuff on bass. Everything was feeling right with the world at that point. That was followed by "Mr. Chairman," with Kelly singing, "I can't get down with nothing but the blues." The whole band was getting down at this show, and in doing so was pulling us up. A good rendition of "Better Way" followed. "Nobody is gonna hurt me again." And then they gave us a fun rendition of Melanie Safka's "Brand New Key," Kelly's great voice supported by just drums at one point. And she delivered a particularly good performance on "Love And Understanding." "Hey, babe, won't you let me in?" Oh, who could deny her? They wrapped up the show with a fantastic version of "Today." How was this song not a huge hit? "And I do what I do/If it helps me get through." This music is what helps, and this song in particular is so effective at pushing troubles and worries away. The show ended just before 8 o' clock.

Set List

Set I