New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Michael McClune Media & Marketing) Blues Foundation judges crowned Where I'm Coming From by Dave Keller of the Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society as the 2012 Best Self-Produced CD. The CD was chosen from the seventy-four submissions from blues societies around the globe. Keller joins past winners
Robin Rogers, Roxy Perry, Nathan
James & Ben Hernandez and more.
A typically humble yet elated Keller explains "The whole project started after hearing the production work on The Bleeding Edge by The Revelations featuring Tre Williams. I was thinking about my next recording and that CD really jumped out of my speakers. Full, funky, and extremely soulful, reminding me of Hi Records from the late 1960s and early 1970s, but with modern clarity and presence."
Keller contacted the producer of The Bleeding Edge Bob Perry, unaware of his chart-topping albums by artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Brian McKnight, and Foxy Brown, only knowing he loved the sound and feel of The Revelations CD. When Perry responded, it was with a curveball. "I had planned to record a fourth all-original CD," Keller says, "but Bob suggested tackling soul songs that should've been classics, but somehow slipped through the cracks." Thank goodness he did, it seems to be an award-winning decision!
A distinguished group of judges from five blues record labels selected Where I'm Coming From based on collective evaluation of (1) Blues Content, (2) Musical Performance, (3) Audio Quality of the Presentation, (4) Cover Art and Design and (5) Credits and Liner Information.
The Blues Content was the selection of semi-obscure soul and blues songs close to the hearts of Keller and Perry. The 'Musical Performance' was provided by Keller's vocals and guitar and complemented by Brooklyn based soulmasters The Revelations featuring Tre' Williams. The Audio Quality of the Presentation was thanks to aforementioned producer Bob Perry and engineer Arnold Mischkulnig." Cover Art and Design by Paul Grosso.
The Credits and Liner Information succinctly reflect his humility and gratitude. Influences listed are
Bobby Womack, Syl Johnson, The Patterson Twins,
David & Jimmy Ruffin, Percy Sledge, O.V. Wright, Clarence Carter, Robert Ward, J.J. Barnes,
James Carr, Otis Clay and Arthur Alexander.
Since 2005 The Blues Foundation has celebrated up and coming artists by bestowing an annual award for the "Best Self--Produced CD" of the year. It is a nascent and exciting award to complement the thirty-two and twenty-eight years of the Blues
Music Awards (BMAs) and International Blues Challenge (IBCs) respectively.
As the winner of this year's Best Self-Produced CD, Dave Keller receives $750 cash, airplay on
Sirius XM's BB King's Bluesville,
Music Choice on cable and satellite TV, a Blues Breaker status on The House of Blues
Radio Show with Elwood Blues, and on various radio programs hosted by the judges of the first two rounds.
With Where I'm Coming From as his award-winning calling card, it is clear that Dave Keller is grateful and qualified to be a contemporary voice in carrying soul music forward, helping to create the next generation of fans.
Info on Dave Keller visit: https://www.davekeller.com
The Blues Foundation and the Award: https://www.blues.org/#ref=ibc_selfcdrules
R.I. Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society: https://www.bluespreservationsociety.org
