Ryan Malott & Kelly Thomas

Everyone knows that the backbone of music is a good love story. Liquor-drenched heartache and a whole lot of screen door slamming begot countless couples whose naturally chaos-riddled chemistry made for more than just unforgettable tunes. RYAN MALOTT & KELLY THOMAS bring their own separate tales of love and loss to the table, where they douse them in whiskey, light them on fire, and belt them out for the considerable pleasure of their listeners. Thomas, regionally known as the Fabulous Pickupsπ fiercely fun leading lady, is a country girl whose pipes tend to sneak up on their subject with impossibly patient resonance. Malott takes a somewhat different tack, but with a sweet face belying a raucous philosophy, heπs made an equally tireless run as front man for nationally recognized rockers 500 MILES TO MEMPHIS. Together, the two have found something close to poetry, though still a ways from peace. Malott adds 'The biggest thing for me is being honest when writing. I can't make up stories. I just write about what I know. I make music because I don't know any other way to live. I make music because I absolutely have to. My favorite on the album is 'You Don't Have to Find Jesus'. It's the best song I've written in a while. It's about not conforming to any sort of religious ideal or lifestyle. Just follow the path that leads you to happiness. That's all we have in this life and if staying out all night drinking makes you happy, then by all means do it.' As a duo, Kelly and Ryan nurture a common spirit, but they know that achieving perfect harmony often means refusing to stay comfortable for too long. The result is equal parts collision and collaboration, both a rite and a rumbleãin other words, the very best of two worlds. Ryan Malott & Kelly Thomas is Ryan Malott (vocals, bass, guitar, banjo) and Kelly Thomas (vocals) plus guest musicians Kevin Hogle (drums), David Rhodes Brown (lap steel), Jeff Boling (guitar), John Bedinghaus (acoustic guitar) and Amos Hopkins (fiddle). Produced by Ryan Malott (500 Miles To Memphis). Recorded at Candyland Studios in Cincinnati, Ohio in April 2009. Ryan resides in Cincinnati and Kelly resides in Covington, KY. Genre(s): Alt-Country, Americana, Rock Recommended For Fans of: Ryan Adams, Wilco, Sun Volt, Whiskeytown, Old 97's, Drive Til Morning, Buddy and Julie Miller, 500 Miles to Memphis, Gram Parsons and Emmy Lou Harris