BIO
The Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo features two of the finest flatpicking guitarists of this generation. Both share a lifelong love of acoustic bluegrass guitar music made famous by influential duets Doc and Merle Watson, and Tony Rice and Norman Blake. Keel, Stickley, and other modern flatpickers like Billy Strings grew up studying these legends. These masters were role models who provided inspiration to both Larry and Jon to pursue careers as professional guitar players. Each has gone on to pioneer his own distinct interpretation of the bluegrass artform, as well as fusing genres from roots, jazz, prog, and beyond. Now, Keel and Stickley have themselves become new masters of acoustic guitar. With this act, the two celebrate the pure joy of playing acoustic guitar music as a duo, effortlessly complementing each other’s rhythm and lead playing while never losing their own individual personality. Their sophisticated and awe-inspiring performances suit an array of venues including festival stages, listening rooms, private functions, and nightclubs. At the core of the Keel/Stickley Duo is an intimate conversation between two guitars and voices, done with superior skill and taste, with more than a hint of explosive late-night-jam vibe.
INDUSTRY QUOTES
“Hearing these two guys play together sounds like a new age Tony Rice and Norman Blake musical work. Larry and Jon are so inspiring to listen to, and together they complement each other’s playing so well. Everyone needs to check this music out.” — Cody Kilby
“Goddamn I love the Bach influence with the new apron! This EP is sugar to my ears. The close influences of both players are amazing. I hear brothers in sound.” —Jake Cinninger [Umphrey’s McGee]
“Jon and Larry have created a glimpse into a guitar world less traveled… It is accessible to all players but full of information that will be soaked up by the new school of guitar that incorporates the old and the new. A brave new world that I hope catches on in great numbers. This is intelligent guitar at its best.” —Jerry Douglas