The album received warm praise from such classical luminaries as Rick Phillips, Eric Friesen, and the Classical 96.3 FM morning team of Jean Stilwell and Mike Duncan. His performance for Yamaha Guitars at the 2008 MIAC conference brought further kudos from music industry professionals.
In 2005, Kelly impressed guitar star judges Joe Satriani (Deep Purple, Mick Jagger) and Steve Lukather (Toto, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney) as a Top 10 finalist of Guitar Player Magazine’s Guitar Hero competition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
‘With Christmas Guitar,’ says Kelly, ‘I wanted to make a record that was very traditional, while at the same time offered up a few chances to stretch out on the guitar.’ With a spirit of warmth and exuberance, the album is an eclectic yet traditional set of 15 fresh arrangements of Holiday Classics.
Christmas Guitar via Opening Day Entertainment and Universal Music blends Kelly’s nylon string guitar work with an intriguing mix of electric guitars and a coterie of harps, strings, and other Sounds of the Season.