3x ACM Awards nominee & Classic Rock Award-winning guitarist for country-rock band The Cadillac Three. 20+ years touring and session recording experience, working with producers including Dann Huff, Bob Rock, Dave Cobb, and more.
With over 20 years in the industry, I’m currently focused on session work—both in-studio and remote—specializing in lap and pedal steel, dobro, ganjo, and more. I'm a 3x ACM Awards nominee and Classic Rock Award-winning lap steel & bass guitarist for The Cadillac Three, with over 20 years of touring and recording experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with top producers like Dann Huff, Bob Rock, and Dave Cobb, which has shaped my approach to studio and remote session work.
I grew up in Nashville, TN, and picked up the electric guitar as a teenager. I've toured for years with my band The Cadillac Three across the U.S., UK, and Europe, and released six album releases with Big Machine Label Group. Along the way, I developed a unique lap steel technique to play bass and rhythm parts simultaneously, expanding my sound. Now focused on studio work, I'm available for remote and in-studio sessions on electric and acoustic guitar, bass, lap steel, pedal steel, dobro, banjo, and mandolin. I’m committed to quick turnarounds, flexible rates, and working closely with artists to capture the sound and feel they’re looking for. My specialties are rock and country, but I love diving into all genres. Whether you're looking for a unique touch for your project or a versatile session player, feel free to reach out through my contact page for inquiries.
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Endorse Kelby Ray CaldwellInterview with Kelby Ray Caldwell
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: I’d say don’t overthink it. If it sounds good, roll with it! It’s easy to get caught up in a mix but if the part works in the track and you like the way it sounds, print it.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: As a member of The Cadillac Three, I spend most of my weekends playing heavy southern rock and country. When doing session work, I've worked on similar genres, but also pop, hip/hop, r&b, and singer-songwriter tracks. I love playing all styles of music.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I have an efficient workflow and am able to turn around tracks pretty quickly. I have a pretty good ear and usually don't have trouble charting out songs.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I'm great at accompaniment, being able to add a variety of textures from an assortment of instruments to help a song stand out. It's something that's fun for me and I enjoy doing.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I'm pretty quick to dissect a song from a demo. I can work out the arrangement, key, and instrumentation without a problem. I can easily send tracks within a couple of days and am more than happy to do any fixes or tweaks with a fast turnaround.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I track everything at home or on the road with a UA Apollo rig and Logic Pro. Most sounds come direct but I also have the capability of tracking amps at my home studio.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm a fan of all music and styles. I'm a fan of production and layering, but there's also something to be said for just a guitar and a vocal. I grew up on 80s and 90s country, rock, and jam band stuff. I also love old school R&B and pop.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I'm usually hired to play lap steel or bass, but am available for pedal steel, dobro, and ganjo. I've also got a guzheng at the house if anybody wants to get weird!
I was the lap steel and bass in this production
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $150 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $150 per song
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $150 per song
- Pedal SteelAverage price - $150 per song
- DobroAverage price - $150 per song
- BanjoAverage price - $150 per song
- MandolinAverage price - $150 per song
Multiple tracks of various instrumentation available. Prices vary on a per song basis, feel free to reach out. I'll get back to you fast with quick turnarounds for your project.
- The Cadillac Three
- HARDY
- Morgan Wallen
- Universal Audio Apollo Twin
- Logic Pro X
- Waves
- Fender Strat/Tele
- Gibson Les Paul/ES339
- Paul Beard Dobro
- various lap steels
- Simmons S10 Pedal Steel
- Orange and Fender Amplifiers
I can offer discounts for multiple instruments on a single song. Prices vary, feel free to reach out!