Larry Keel & Jon Stickley

Independent

Larry Keel and John Stickey have been called two of the finest  flatpicking guitarists of this generation. As a duo, the two celebrate the pure joy of playing acoustic guitar music, effortlessly  complementing each other’s rhythm and lead playing. At the core of the duo is an intimate conversation between two guitars and two voices in dynamic harmony, done with superior skill and taste. Stickley states “The music flows out naturally when we jam together …this project gives us a chance to get back to our roots in the style of Norman Blake and Tony Rice, Doc and Merle Watson, and the Monroe Brothers”. Keel and Stickley have been mainstays within the bluegrass, Americana, and jamband festival circuits like Strings and Sol, DelFest, Hulaween, the Suwannee Spring Reunion, and  others.

This new 5-track EP is bold acoustic guitar music including three lyrical tracks and two cosmic instrumentals. The album was recorded and mixed by James McLaughin at the Mountainside Studio in  Charlottesville, Virginia.

Keel and Sticley open with an instrumental written by Stickley who  plays on a Preston Thompson D-EIA acoustic guitar, while Keel plays on a 2008 Andrew White handcrafted parlor style guitar. “Sailor Suit”  was written by Steve McMurry as they both sing “back in the year of 1971…it was my birthday…I want to be in my Sailor Suit and any port we chose is where we’d be”.

“Pioneers” written by Keel features him as he sings “those were the  days…the wagon wheels…we traveled across this mighty land on the plains, traveling across the many miles of this barren land” while  Stickley switched to a 1956 Martin D-18. “Take The Air” by Stickley is the second cosmic instrumental.

On the closer “Starborn”, a tribute to his friend Jeff Austin, Keel sings  “I had a friend one time who had a troubled mind…well no one knows where the mind goes…born to be a star no matter how far he needs to go…looking back from where we started from…born to be a star no  matter how far he has to go”.

Jerry Douglas says “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”. Give a listen to this highly recommended too short recording.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor/Making A Scene

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included