Catch Of The Week: Martin And Kelly
Meet Martin and Kelly
Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly decided to combine their talents back in 2014. Good decision. Their voices, their presence, and their songs are seemingly custom fit. You can’t imagine the cry of Ryan’s guitar without the sentiment of Jilly’s serenade. Martin’s voice has the ability to lure you in with tenderness, then take you to an arena sized anthem sing-a-long. Kelly’s guitar work is polished and powerful, and their harmonies brew beautifully. This musical unification just feels organic. Together, on stage, and in studio they shine.
This duo has become one of New England’s (and the country’s) most sought after. They are regulars at Loretta’s Last Call in Boston, making Wednesday nights a fan favorite. They often travel to New York, Nashville, and the Carolinas for shows. They’ve been featured as support acts for some of country music’s biggest names, from Willie to Miranda, Keith Urban to Alison Krauss, Brad to Brothers Osborne. This dynamic duo is in demand, and hard at work, making their mark with their acclaimed original music, energetic shows and unwavering charm.
Push Play On MK
“Stood Their Ground” is a standout new song from Martin and Kelly, and they came to our studio to perform it live.
“Superman” is some super songwriting
The Take On This Twosome
- Name: Martin and Kelly- It’s our last names, and boy can we confuse people with that! (We had considered Heartland Express- to stick with the trucking company theme of country bands- Midland, Old Dominion, Lanco … 🙂 Stuck with our last names… for now!
- Currently resides in : Ryan’s 2016 Dodge Ram 1500…. Well, it sure seems like we do anyways!
- Hometowns: Chelmsford, MA and Hudson, NH
- How did you come together and when: Ryan was putting together an EP and needed a female duet partner for some of the tunes. We started playing shows together shortly after that! It was about 7 years ago now, but it only seems like 2!
- Band Members and Instruments: Jilly Martin- Lead vocals/ Acoustic Guitar, Ryan Brooks Kelly- Lead Vocals/Lead Electric and Acoustic Guitar, James McCarthy- Drums, Jim Gregoire- Bass Guitar
- How would you describe your sound: Modern twist on Classic Country
- Biggest influences: Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn and so many more!
- Which artist was the most fun that you opened for: Willie Nelson at the Outlaw Festival!
- All time favorite country song: “Always on My Mind” – Willie Nelson
- Current favorites on Country 102-5: “More Hearts Than Mine” – Ingrid Andress, “One Night Standards”- Ashley McBryde, “Monsters” Eric Church
- Day jobs: We both do Music full time!
- Most proud moment: Playing the Outlaw Music Festival at Bank of NH Pavilion!
- Craziest thing that ever happened in your music career: Getting invited to sing on stage with the Oak Ridge Boys was pretty awesome!
- Fun Facts: Jilly rides horses and would love to do so competitively, but we just don’t have the time! Ryan collects rare bourbons and loves hunting for them. We both love antiquing on the road
- Mantra: Do what you love, love what you do! AND, stay in your lane 😉
See Martin and Kelly
- January 23- Loretta’s Last Call, Boston (every Wednesday night)
- January 26- Chelmsford Center for the Arts
- February 1st: New England Pond Hockey Classic 12-130PM
- February 1st: Six String Grill & Stage, Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA
- February 16- Bonfire, Manchester, NH
- February 21st Labelle Winery Tickets in Amherst, NH
- March 2- Comix Roadhouse, Mohegan Sun
MK Connection
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
