Artist description Six-Piece modern country-soul band from central Pennsylvania

Music Style Country-Soul, Alternative-Country

Musical Influences Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, The Horseflies, Richard Thompson and The Band

Similar Artists Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, the Byrds, Gram Parsons

Artist History In 1995 Kris Kehr moved to State College, Pennsylvania and began playing with talented upright bass player and kindred spirit Bill Stetz (currently with MIKE SWAVELY AND THE CHROMAGNATONES) . In 1997 the duo became a quartet and enlisted lap-steel player Todd Bartolo (currently with FROG HOLLER) and drummer Dana Hawk to become KRIS KEHR & STONE POETS. They were given a regular thursday night gig at ZENOS in State College and began to evolve, adding Hammond ace James Harton in November of ‘97. The next year saw the addition of Dr. Dave Mudgett, a talented local guitar favorite and roots music connoisseur, on the pedal-steel and a plethera of other instruments. John Kennedy from local funk favorites ORIGINAL SOUL PROJECT (OSP) joined next on electric and upright acoustic bass, and Jack Wilkinson (formerly of QUEEN BEE AND THE BLUE HORNET BAND) solidified the rhythm section together brought their distinctly groovie flair that created something new with the sometimes surreal, sometimes intense country/soul space Mudgett and Harton had begun to find together. Kelly Countermine joined next, strengthening the ensemble with her uncannily intuitive harmony counterpoint to Kris' lead as well as fine mandolin and guitar playing.

Group Members KRIS KEHR/vocals, mandolin, 6 & 12 string acoustic guitar, electric guitar & harmonica KELLY COUNTERMINE/vocals, mandolin, acoustic guitar and percussion REV. JAMES HARTON/Hammond B-3 organ, Wurlitzer electric piano & accordan DR. DAVE MUDGETT/lap & pedal steel guitar, electric 6 & 12 string guitar, acoustic guitar and dobro JOHN KENNEDY/electric & acoustic upright bass JACK WILKINSON/vocals and drums

Albums Kris Kehr "Long, Long Year" Kris Kehr and Stone Poets

Press Reviews "Backed by guitars, lap steel, keyboards and a finely grooved rhythm section, Kehr tackles the ultimate mysteries on this winning 10-song independent release with simplicity, humor and no shortage of disappointment. He weaves both half-whispered and rough troubadour vocals through the haunting arrangements and creates a mood that is defiant, defeated and no doubt familiar to most. Whether singing of the guy tricked by love, the philosopher wondering life's cost, or the lost soul who is simply over his head in the reality game, Kehr tells his tales simply but with just enough poetry and conviction to make them worthwhile. His subjects remain fixed on the search, despite the roadblocks of fear and shattered dreams. Kehr's journey through life's crapshoot is a bumpy one, but it's well worth the time." -Ames Arnold(columnist/critic Richmond Times-Dispatch) "A very well deserved 4 stars out of 5.....This is a FINE CD!" -Marc Nolis (publisher and editor-in-chief, ROOTSTOWN MUSIC MAGAZINE) "On 'Long, Long Year', singer-songwriter Kris Kehr has created a "journey" album in the finest folk-rock tradition. With odes to the road, river and rails (and even outer space), Kehr equates the journey down the road with the flow of life's journey. The album is fueled by the virtuosity of Stone Poets, a local band of which Kehr is a member. The band members’ thorough understanding of their musical roles, wrapped in an honest, understated genius, provides Kehr with the legs on which to take his musical wanderings." -Matt Swain (critic and columnist, The Centre Daily Times) ".....classy 'roots rock', with tasteful musicianship" -George Graham (producer, radio personality - WVIA-FM National Public Radio) "You’re gonna love this one. Kehr and his group have fashioned a great pop-country-folk sound. Using Martin acoustic guitars, Hammond B-3 organ, accordion, Fender electrics and a pedal-steel, they weigh in on odes to the road and the rails and other journeys. A wonderful debut. -Villiage Records "I wanted to take a moment to let you all know about a new CD that I think is worthy of some attention. It's called 'Long Long Year' and it's the debut CD from Pennsylvania singer/songwriter Kris Kehr, released on his own label,Woobie Cat Records. Stylistically, I'd describe this music as country-rock-folk. It's centered around Kris' drawling vocals and his acoustic 6 and 12 string guitars, and he's backed up by tasteful bass, drums, keyboard, and steel guitar accompaniment. Backing musicians include Jim Weider of The Band, Craig Ross and George Laks, both of the Lenny Kravitz Band, and Cindy Cashdollar from Asleep At The Wheel. Cindy's lap-steel licks on the title track are simply wonderful; you can turn that track up LOUD and feel the goosebumps rise. Kris is well known to many people in this area throughhis work with a plethora of local bands during the pastdecade, including folk-rockers The Electric Farm and the progressive bluegrass band Pavlov's Dawgs. This album includes ten original songs, and marks his entry into the singer/songwriter genre. -OTTO BOST (Producer/Host "Acoustic Eclectic" WDIY-FM National Public Radio) "......he's got great tone and feel on the acoustic, but the critical thing to me is the vibe, which to me digs deep into your soul... i mean, almost anybody can play, and a bunch of people can play really well, but there are very few, i think, who stand up in front of people and open themselves up for all to see...Kris does that... it gives me faith... it restores faith in myself... it is what the definition of music should be... the ancient language that exposes the heart..." -Scott Murawski (songwriter-guitarist, Max Creek) “...'To the Sea'......I loved its soothing tides...That song is beautiful, to my ears anyway, I think its a keeper, a real mood-soother... hope to hear it again!” -Derek (fan)

Location State College, PA - USA

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