Local Band Network Member Since: February 11, 2007
Last Update: February 11, 2007
Average rating:
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Music types:
Jazz/Blues, Soul
Description:
Keyan Williams – Saxophonist (Alto, Tenor, Soprano), Flute, and Keyboards.
** My Music can be heard on your Local on the 8's with "The Weather Channel" **
Keyan, born and raised in Brooklyn New York and currently reside in Arizona. Keyan started playing the sax at age 8. By the age of 16 he was playing Jazz Sax and Classical Flute and had been involved with special school music programs such as Borough wide, District wide and Statewide bands.
Keyan has never been shy to crowds, playing at various places like Carnegie Hall, and Avery Fisher Hall at an early age. Many fans of his music have conveyed to him that his saxophone style reminds them of Grover Washington Jr., and he is very humbled over the compliments. Grover Washington Jr., musically influenced Keyan, along with many other luminous jazz artists like: Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery and Stanley Clarke. Over his years playing, Keyan has also had the honor of sharing the stage with Herbie Hancock, Chic Corea, and Junior Cook.
When asked about what kept his heart in the music, he stated, “My love of God has kept me doing his will. I love being Our Father’s instrument. Meeting Jazz greats like Zoot Sims, Herbie Hancock and Chic Corea has also been a great influence for me”.
Current News:
Keyan released his new CD titled "The Art of Living", August of 2006. The CD is a grooved filled production that is reminiscent of the kind of music Grover made. Keyan says, “Grover Washington Jr. is one of his favorite musicians. He was a great sax player and would give you a great show, three hours of non-stop playing. I wanted to keep that kind of drive alive – real strong grooves – to get back to what I call ‘the original smooth jazz sound.’ I think we have done that with this album. And, you will not hear me play a solo the same way twice. I play from my heart, no repetition.” Williams has created a soundtrack that mirrors his live performances. “What you hear on the CD is what you hear live!”
Music reviews:
Rachelle from ABYSS Jazz Magazine states on August 30th, 2006. Oh my... Excellent! Keyan has such a CRISP horn. Kind of like Grover Washington, but with his own sound. And for sure, it won't be long before his fans are able to distinguish style. Definitely, one of the best new smooth jazz artists I have heard this year.
Jacob Dixon from Garage Bands in Pratteln, Switzerland December 30th, 2006 stated:
The Art of Living song on the new release "The Art of Living” Makes me feel a little homesick. This song reminds me a lot about New York, and riding down the Major Deegan Expressway in the back seat as a child. My dad played mostly soft jazz tunes while driving and I got a kick out of watching the buildings go by while listening to the music. The saxophone is obviously the main instrument in this song, and it has a nice presence. It doesn't overpower the rest of the instruments and what was played sound really nice. Overall, a very cool song. I'm going to call my parents now.
Frank from Lancaster, California on January 1st, 2007 stated “The Water Color” song has a Kenny g type. Nice use of horns and I like the pop feel overall. Better than Kenny g if you ask me. Good beat and a strong bass. Keep it up.
Nathan states on January 1st, 2007 The Art of Living song has Bass and Sax Grooves - Just a pleasure to hear these instruments working together - they mesh together well - sound like they've been playing together for years. The bass line has a real groove, and the sax player swings easily throughout. The drummer is also right in the spirit of this number. Glad to hear the keyboard player stand out at around 2:45. Where were you hiding?
Garage Band Reviewer from Morris Plains, New Jersey on January 1st, 2007 stated "The Art of Living" song has excellent bass and the rhythm is very groovy. The drumming is good; it flows along with the song smoothly. The best thing about this track is the saxophone; it’s masterfully played without a flaw and it hooks you up big time. It has a very romantic feel to it and the melody manages to chill you out. I like the way piano is introduced; it really enhances the mood of this track. BRILLIANCE!
Studio City, California - Garage band reviewer on January 6th, 2007. The Art of Living song has a very tasty intro; track pulls you into the SAX melody and the sax wails, just wails. Love the harmonies in the lines. A totally pro project. I hope you guys have sent the cd’s to smooth jazz stations “five stars” Excellent mix as well. Change nothing in this song.
In Keyan's spare time, he loves to spend it with his wife Bridget and family. He also loves playing computer games, and traveling.
Musical Equipment: Yamaha Tenor Sax, Yanagisawa Soprano Sax, Selmer Alto Sax, Korg Triton Keyboard and many more musical instruments fill his studio.
Website http://www.tusp.biz
Discography CD Release - "The Art of Living" August, 2006 Total of 10 Tracks.
Tracks selected for Play - Feburary 2007 on The Weather Channel
Live Radio:
88.1 WFSK FM: http://www.fisk.edu/index.asp?cat=6&pid=198
MVY Radio: http://www.mvyradio.com/local_musicafe/#1167402374
99.5 FM WSUR: http://playlist.wusr.scranton.edu/index.php
Web Radio:
Fredio Radio: http://www.fredio.com/index.php?stationid=1&genre=Jazz
New Artist Radio: http://www.newartistradio.com/members/members/396/
Live 365: http://www.live365.com/stations/eyebee http://www.live365.com/stations/cimradio http://www.live365.com/stations/cruisenjazz?tm=1162998149
E- Radio Biz: http://www.e-radiobiz.com/default.asp?artid=157
Artist First: http://www.artistfirst.com/
SmoothVibes Switzerland: http://www.smoothvibes.com/swissgroove.html
Keyan was featured in the October 2006 ABYSS Jazz Magazine and for four months in a row his music has been #1 across the Jazz, Instrumental and Inspirational Genres with Music Forte.
Keyan’s conducted a live radio interview on January 18th, 2007 on 88.1 FM Fisk University in Nashville TN on his new release "The Art of Living".
Band Members:
I have a rotating line up of band musicians for shows and recordings.
Pictures:
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