Anyone who has spent any amount of quality time with Kelly knows some definite things about his beliefs and attitudes. Firstly, he was a champion of originality and the breaking of tradition. He lived his life with zest, writing and performing his art with a wonderfully refreshing lack of reverence for established norms. If there was a rule, he’d break it. If there was a boundary, he’d extend past it. That’s not to say he didn’t understand convention. He did. He just functioned at a higher level. I can’t think of anyone with the depth of understanding and taste in music that Kelly had.  From Mozart to Slayer, Zorn to Coltrane. He knew it, he collected it and as we all know, he definitely had an opinion on it.

 

His approach to life was similar to his approach to music. I know no one with more integrity and commitment than Kelly. He lived for substance and meaning. Superficiality meant nothing. Money meant nothing. Popularity meant nothing. Small talk was effort for him but get him engaged in true conversation of any depth or reason on ANY topic and he would talk until morning. His expectation was high. If one didn’t truly know the subject, it was better to say nothing at all. He cut through imbecility with razor sharp perception and I always hated to be on the other end of his scorn even when deserved. 

 

That high standard also bled into his character. He was hardcore with his high standards and stances but he was soft when it came to people. His loyalty was unwavering and his heart was huge. While the arrogance of a fool would lead him to rage, his patience for people of pure intent was enormous and generous. His friends encompassed diversity that included all creeds, careers, races  and nationalities. His only requirement for friendship was to be sincere, be honest, and be true. He loved us all and we love him.