Guitarist · Composer · Educator
Rick Kelly
Fusion, Jazz & Blues — Chicago Area
Guitarist · Composer · Educator
Fusion, Jazz & Blues — Chicago Area
Indigo Jazz · 2026
Early Release — Indigo Jazz — Full EP June 2026
“A mangata is the road-like reflection of the moon on still water.”
Blue Mangata is the debut EP from Rick Kelly on Indigo Jazz — five original instrumental tracks that are cinematic, groove-driven, and deeply expressive. The title track is out now as an early release on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp. The full EP arrives June 2026.
Full EP arriving June 2026 — also on Spotify, Apple Music & Amazon Music
Full EP page on Indigo Jazz →
Recorded 1993 · Remastered
Album — Remastered
Originally recorded in 1993 at ARS Studio in Alsip, IL, Cutting Edge is a jazz fusion collection that showcases Rick’s signature blend of expressive guitar melody, cinematic texture, and groove. Now fully remastered and available on all major platforms.
Rick Kelly — guitar Mark Altieri — drums Bill Janness — keyboards & synths
Full album page & liner notes on Indigo Jazz →The Artist
Rick Kelly is a fusion, jazz, and blues guitarist based in the Chicago area. His playing sits at the intersection of cinematic melody, expressive phrasing, and groove — a sound shaped by decades spent studying the masters and developing a distinctly personal voice on the instrument.
A current member of Delta Rising, Rick brings the same harmonic depth and melodic sensibility to live performance that defines his studio work. His original compositions draw from jazz, blues, and ambient influences, weaving intricate chord progressions beneath soulful, fluid solos.
Alongside partner and keyboardist Bill Janness, Rick co-founded Indigo Jazz — a boutique recording label dedicated to releasing original music and supporting emerging artists. Their debut collaboration, the Cutting Edge album (recorded at ARS Studio, Alsip, IL in 1993), has been newly remastered and is available now. The debut Blue Mangata EP marks the next chapter — five original instrumentals that push further into cinematic jazz fusion territory.
Rick is also an educator. Through Rick Kelly Studio on YouTube, he shares step-by-step tutorials on recording, mixing, and mastering in Cubase, alongside his own method for building chord progressions and soloing — making professional-sounding music accessible to players at every level.
Learn & Create
Rick’s YouTube channel is home to two dedicated content tracks for musicians and home studio enthusiasts. Whether you want to hear the music or learn to make it yourself, there’s something here for every level.
Step-by-step tutorials on recording, EQ, mixing, and mastering full songs in Cubase. Follow along as a complete track is built from scratch to radio-ready EP.
Rick’s own method for building chord progressions and soloing over them. Clear, practical, and designed for beginner-to-intermediate players who want to sound great fast.
The Label
Rick Kelly records and releases on Indigo Jazz — a boutique label co-founded with Bill Janness. Discover the full story, all releases, and upcoming music at indigo-jazz.com.
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