In conversation and in his music, Kyle sounds a lot older than his 17 years. His anti-showboating stance that "less makes for more" in his facile, jazz- and blues-tinged guitar playing is particularly mature, the kind of revelation that takes most musicians decades to grasp.

"Prince is one role model, in that regard," said the artist in a recent call from a Cleveland rehearsal hall where he was working out with his drummer and upright bass player on a touring day off. "We all know Prince is one of the greatest guitar players, but if you go to see his show, he only does one solo a night. There's something so cool and suave and James Bond about that."