Producer and musician Ricky Keller (a.k.a. Lincoln Metcalfe) died yesterday of a massive heart attack. Keller was known by many as the conductor of the Zambiland Orchestra and the bassist for Project Z, a group that also featured guitarist Jimmy Herring, drummer Jeff Sipe and keyboardist Jason Crosby. He also founded Atlanta’s Southern Living at Its Finest Studios, which was originally built soley to document the work of Col. Bruce Hampton. Kellers career included work with a wide variety of artists such as Bruce Springsteen, The Black Crowes, The Atlanta Symphony, Naughty by Nature and Bonnie Raitt. Fellow musician and friend Rev. Jeff Mosier has posted the following on his website:

He was possibly the nicest and most considerate person we knew. Whenever I think of true humility and brokenness as defined in the Zambi tradition, I can only think of Ricky. When I think of a talented player and producer and a person who mentored so many in so many fields, I can only think of Ricky. Over these coming months and years, no words will really express the feelings of those who were lucky enough to know him, work with him or play on a stage with him. Today’s loss will become more and more apparent as time goes on. Our love and prayers go out to his family and friends during this tragic time of loss. We love you Ricky, we really do and we will miss you beyond imagination. Thanks for all you did and for all that your work will continue to do for so many of us who were comforted by your love and inspired by your talents. May you truly rest in peace.