Kelli Schaefer ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

My favorite part about writing is when I have to do very little of it. If you are one of the few that passes the time reading my words, I know you can agree wholeheartedly. This is one of those occasions. Let wordsmiths around the world rejoice.

When I did my “Doe Bay: A First Time Perspective” review, I made brief mention of Kelli Schaefer’s one song Doe Bay Session performance. It was compelling enough to wake me from my beach slumber and max out  Chris Proff’s recording devices. Prior to Doe Bay, I’d only seen Kelli Schaefer join Drew Grow and the Pastor Wives on-stage at the Tractor. I never heard her sing one of her own songs by her lonesome before. I’d be lying if I told you I remembered what this song actually sounds like. Oddly enough, I remember where her fingers were on her guitar frets. Her gestures make music in my mind but there’s no audio otherwise.  It was the power of her voice that woke me up. It is the power of her voice that is going to arrest your train of thought in a matter of moments. Don’t believe me? Push play. I dare you. But before you do, what are you doing right now? I’m not sure if you’re adequately prepared. Then again, are any of us ever prepared? I think we all know the answer to that one.

I try to avoid that which can only be realized in the flesh. It’s a shame. You really can’t say that about music artists nowadays.  This woman right here, she’s a hurricane. She made me leave my favorite place on earth to be closer to something that humbled me in its authenticity.  So, what are you doing on October 2nd? Seeing Kelli Schaefer at Columbia City Theater with Kaylee Cole and People Eating People? I think we both know the answer to that. I give you “Ghost of the Beast.”

The Doe Bay Sessions – Kelli Schaefer from Sound on the Sound on Vimeo.