WHO WE ARE
WIND’s music is an original mixture of prog rock, classic rock and folk styles, influenced by British artists like Pink Floyd, Mark Knopfler, Yes & Renaissance, as well as North American artists like Bruce Cockburn & Tom Petty.
Their new EP is called “A Night To Remember,” and was released on October 15, 2024. “A Night To Remember” contains seven songs – two progressive rock original songs and four traditional Christmas songs, with one of the originals being the 12-minute prog-rock epic title track.
WIND’s music continues to be broadcast on progressive rock radio shows in the U.K., Canada and the U.S. They will be heading to Japan in May 2025 for a 12-date tour, back to the UK in October for their fourth tour as well as numerous dates in the US throughout the year.
Nori Kelley
Born in Japan, but raised in Gadsden, Alabama from age 9, Nori Kelley is a veteran session musician who has worked with Jon Anderson (Yes), Dave Hope (Kansas), the late Jon Camp (Renaissance), Will McFarlane (Muscle Shoals Swampers / Bonnie Raitt), John Sussewell (Diana Ross, Alvin Lee, Bob Dylan), the Chi-Lites and others. CCM magazine once compared his guitar playing to both Mark Knopfler and Phil Keaggy. Mel Bay Publications released two of Nori’s guitar teaching projects internationally, both of which were best sellers. He also produced a number of albums in Japan from 1999-2016. Nori has produced & engineered nearly 100 album projects in all, and has played on well over a thousand recordings.
Barbie Kelley
Barbie Kelley hails from the Wilmington, Delaware area and comes from a large musical family. She began playing the flute at age 9, and now plays percussion and guitar as well. She has played & sung on hundreds of recording sessions. Her voice has a pleasant, almost Celtic-like quality, and has been compared by some to Natalie Merchant and Annie Haslam of Renaissance. Audiences love her flute playing, and WIND’s flute and guitar combination achieves nice results. Barbie has written a musical with Nori called “No Love, No Peace – The Musical,” geared toward middle/junior high school students, dealing with issues such as bullying & suicide. It was debuted at AAST High School in Myrtle Beach, SC in 2017 and “WIND & Friends” released the musical soundtrack in 2018. Nori & Barbie hope to see it performed in more schools in the near future.
Shane
Shane Faux-Dugan (pron. Fox-Doogan) is WIND’s newest member, joining the group on backing vocals in 2023. Shane has toured with the band in the UK and Japan, as well as a fall 2024 mini-tour to New York & Massachusetts. The new EP is his first appearance on a WIND project as well as his recording debut.
“Well crafted…with clever little rhythmic twists…unexpected chord changes… Barbie’s accomplished flute and whistle lines…Nori’s seasoned, song-centric guitar…what a sincere, engaging record…Nori is an assured guitarist.”
~ PROG Magazine
British magazine dedicated to progressive rock music
MORE REVIEWS
“WIND, presenting passionate music with high-flying flute, guitar acrobatics and killer chorus sections, seem to have no hard time proving they can win over even the average music listener.”
~ Shawn M. Haney, All Music Guide
“With the scene here in the UK currently picking up for progressive rock artists and artists with a folk and blues edge, the time could be right for WIND…they have the tools and the songs, they just need that little push…”
~ Nick Baldrain, Fireworks Magazine (UK)
“Best flute & guitar music in the southeast!”
~ Borders Books & Music, Atlanta
“(Nori’s) guitar playing stuns.”
~ Doug LeBlanc, CCM Magazine