What surprises most people about Kaki King is her size. She’s not a tall girl, and it’s a wonder how her small hands manipulate the guitar like they do. Since meeting her back in 2008 at Outside Lands while running around with the BoingBoing crew, I have yet to see anyone who is as gifted as she is at playing the guitar. More than just a skillful guitar player, Kaki is a mood maker- her songs bring distinct imagery to mind and deal with true emotion.

I saw her again at Mississippi Studios last Thursday, and I must say she’s only gotten better. Her latest work is a bit darker, and I learned that this is due in part to a breakup before she wrote her last album, Junior. But Kaki has moved on, and we’re the lucky recipients of her emotion-filled songs.

Check out this video to see Kaki in action. Note the placement of her hands. How is she doing that?!

Kaki was a bit under the weather, but she was gracious enough to sit down with me before the show for an interview. She talks with me about her new album, heartbreak and what she would be doing if she weren’t Kaki King, guitar legend.

Kaki King and her guitars are touring with Megan Washington (who was a treat) until mid-April. If you live on the East coast, here’s your chance to catch her. Her new album is available on iTunes and Amazon.