California multi-instrumentalist and "hired gun"-style session man Emmett Kelly worked with many of indie rock's top names before branching out with his own music under the name the Cairo Gang. Kelly had added his talents to tours and albums by artists like Joan of Arc, Azita, Angel Olsen, Sonny Smith, Beth Orton, and many others by the time the Cairo Gang's self-titled debut appeared in 2006. In addition to releasing albums with the Cairo Gang, Kelly has issued a number of critically acclaimed collaborations with Bonnie "Prince" Billy. ~ Fred Thomas