Being from the Capital Region, we are blessed to have a wide array of talent across all genres of music. But every once in a while we get someone very special. In 2025, that is Ky McClinton.
Ky McClinton is just coming off his birthday performance at Ophelia’s in Albany, NY over the weekend and was one of his most powerful performances yet. He and his band cruised through originals and covers playing at an energy unmatched. Regarding covers, he takes each song he chooses to play and puts it into “Ky Mode.”
What is “Ky Mode?” Well it’s not only making a covered song his own, it’s taking a tune and putting his signature slow vibe and tone on it including powerful vocal harmonies. This signature sound is unique and unlike anything I have ever heard. McClinton combined with saxophonist Isiah Allen create some of the most beautiful vocal harmonies that will leave yourself asking “why and how is this band not already famous?”
Let’s not forget about the rest of the band. Anytime McClinton stepped away from the microphone to do his thing, his band held it down. This tight knit group of musicians are permanent fixtures in the group that allow Ky to do his thing and are all talented in their own regard…