Kevin Toney is an American pianist and composer, known as an original member of The Blackbyrds and now is a renown solo artist and performer.
Biography
Kevin Toney, pianist/composer is a modern day renaissance artist who is constantly exploring, and developing new musical horizons. As a world-renowned jazz recording artist and musician, Kevin’s music covers a broad range of styles and is timeless, classic yet always contemporary. Kevin describes his music as being cosmopolitan in scope, a jazz style that embraces traditional, contemporary, urban, gospel, and classical and elements all wrapped up in a sophisticated package! Urban Network declares “Kevin Toney has proven himself to be among the most masterful and versatile keyboardist of his generation, playing with a technical proficiency that is at the absolute peak of the contemporary jazz game.” Billboard Magazine notes “Toney's piano skills and ear for melody set him apart from the pack and make him enjoyable and engaging." Kevin’s best known solo works include “Kings”, “Aphrodisiac”, “Celebration”, “15 Years”, “How Bout That”, and “Quiet Conversation”
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he attended the prestigious Cass Technical High School and performed with many of the cities top jazz musicians including Marcus Belgraves and Donald Walden. His early musical influences included a mix of Bach, Debussy, Chopin, Art Tatum, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. At age 18 Kevin attended Howard University where he later received his B.A. in Composition and Jazz Studies. There he was discovered by trumpeter, jazz studies department head Donald Byrd who would put together a group of his best students. Kevin became the leader of this groundbreaking jazz-fusion group called The Blackbyrds. Seven albums were recorded with the group, three of which were certified gold, and many of their hit songs including “Rock Creek Park” and the Grammy nominated “Unfinished Business” were written by Kevin.
Currently a K-Tone Enterprises recording artist, Kevin has nine solo recording commercial releases to date including A Grateful Heart-Kevin Toney Solo, Retrospectives, 110 Degrees And Rising, Sweet Spot, Strut, Extra Sensual Perception, Lovescape, Pastel Mood, and Special K. Strut was selected by the 2002 Winter Olympics Committee as part of its “official music’ along side of Paul McCartney and Alicia Keys! Kevin’s collaboration with “Unwrapped” producer Tony Joseph on the unprecedented compilation Def Jazz, an all-star contemporary jazz interpretation of rap classics, was released in 2005 on Def Jam Records. Featured performances with Hubert Laws on the catchy “Bring the Pain” and the standout radio hit “Hey Young World” with Gerald Albright were highlights of the project. Kevin has performed on major jazz festivals and concerts through out the United States including The Capital Jazz Festival, The Playboy Jazz Festival, The Long Beach Jazz Festival, The Jazz And Blues Festival in Denver, The Pasadena Jazz Festival, Chene Park and more! As an educator, Kevin does master classes and guest artist appearances at universities and schools around the country including CSU Los Angeles, UC Irvine, East Carolina University, Howard University, Columbia College, Duke Ellington School Of The Arts, Musicians Institute in Hollywood and more.
Kevin has also recorded and or performed with many top artist including Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Donald Byrd, Sonny Rollins, O.C Smith, Oscar Brown Jr., Stevie Wonder, Kenny Burrell, James Newton, Andrew White, Carl Anderson, Whitney Houston, Pink, Shirley Caesar, Edwin Hawkins, Ted Neely, Brenda Russell George Strait, Shaina Twain, En Vogue, Monica, Ray Parker Jr. Isaac Hayes, Booby Womack, James Ingram, Def Jazz, Hubert Laws, Sonny Stitt, David “Fathead” Newman, Gerald Wilson, Bill Summers, Bill Withers, Cheryl Lynn, Norman Brown, Peter White and more. In addition Kevin showcased his musical versatility as a conductor and arranger for top recording and performing artists including: James Ingram, Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Enrique Iglesias, Brian McKnight, Tyrese, Ja-Rule, Musiq Soulchild, Edwin Hawkins, Gloria Gaynor, Michael McDonald, Brenda Russell, Ted Neely, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Freda Payne Bill Withers. He has served as conductor and arranger for theatrical productions of: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Five Guys Named Moe, Sophisticated Ladies, Harlem Suite, Wild Women Blues, The Magic Of Motown (A Tribute To Barry Gordy) and Atlanta.
Marking a milestone in his career, Kevin’s current project titled “A Grateful Heart, Kevin Toney Solo” released in 2008 is his first ever solo piano recording. Deeply personal and introspective, “A Grateful Heart” is a journey of discovery and revelation. This new recording features 10 new original compositions which are best described as inspirational, meditative, ambient, and contemplative. Kevin explains that this is the “most important musical work I’ve ever produced in that this work was not created for commercial reasons and benefits. God, his love, forgiveness, joy, new life opportunities, and the sheer delight to give generously are the soul inspiration and dedication for this recording. My mission now is to take the listener on a spiritual journey through music, providing a haven for reflection and prayer and an enduring hope that will encourage a deeper personal connection with God. “
Kevin other recent activities are the publication of the “Kevin Toney Collection Volume 1” which include 24 of his most popular recorded compositions. He’s completed scoring a full-length feature film titled “Kings of the Evening” which will be released in Fall 2009. Look for The Kevin Toney Jazz Quartet new CD release by mid-2009. It’s homage to a few of his earlier influences in jazz, particularly John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus and the brilliant music they created during the 1960’s. With his wife Phyllis and children, Jason and Dominique, The Toney Family Foundation has found roots with a focus on music and arts related philanthropy Kevin’s light continues to shine on the musical landscape with his creative vision and diverse talents opening the world to a rare genius exhibited by few but experienced by many.
Reception
Urban Network says “Kevin Toney has proven himself to be among the most masterful and versatile keyboardist of his generation, playing with a technical proficiency that is at the absolute peak of the contemporary jazz game.” Billboard Magazine notes “Toney's piano skills and ear for melody set him apart from the pack and make him enjoyable and engaging."
Discography
Solo
- Special K (1982)
- Lovescape (1994)
- Pastel Mood (1995)
- Extra Sensual Perception (1999)
- Strut (2001)
- Smooth Jazz Love Songs (2001)
- Sweet Spot (2003)
- 110 Degrees and Rising (2005)
- Retrospectives (2006)
- A Grateful Heart (2008)
With Blackbyrds
- Blackbyrds (Fantasy, 1973)
- Flying Start (Fantasy, 1974)
- Cornbread, Earl and Me (Fantasy, 1975)
- City Life (Fantasy, 1976) (RIAA Gold LP)
- Unfinished Business (Fantasy, 1977) (RIAA Gold LP)
- Action (Fantasy, 1978) (RIAA Gold LP)
- Better Days (Fantasy, 1981)
With various artist
- Live at Montreux — Bobbi Humphrey (Blue Note, 1973)
- Live at Montreux — Alphonse Mouzon (Blue Note, 1973)
- Live at Montreux — Marlena Shaw (Blue Note, 1973)
- Places and Spaces — Donald Byrd (Blue Note, 1976)
- Caricatures — Donald Byrd (Blue Note, 1977)
- "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" — Sylvester (Honey/Fantasy, 1979)
- Scratch My Back — David “Fathead” Newman (Fantasy, 1979)
- Sharon Redd — Sharon Redd (1980)
- You Can Call It What You Want — Bill Summers and Summers Heat (MCA, 1981)
- We Call It the Box — Bill Summers and Summers Heat (MCA, 1983)
- Soul Jazz — Rahmlee Michael Davis (1986)
- After Midnight — Ray Parker, Jr. (Arista, 1987)
- Piano in the Dark — Brenda Russell (A & M, 1987)
- Midnite Blue — Phil Upchurch (KICJ [import],1991)
- Joyful Noise — Chester Thompson (Rhino, 1992)
- Get the Feeling — Two Tons: Martha Wash/Azora Armstead (Fantasy, 1993)
- Unforgettable Sax — Hugh Brodie (1994)
- Duets — Paul Jackson, Jr. (Blue Note, 1996)
- Love Letters — Craig T. Cooper (Sin Drome, 1996)
- Street Sax — Chazzy Green (1999)
- Life Changes — Doc Powell (Sampson, 2001)
- Nu Life Stories — Dave McMurray (Hip Bop, 2003)
- The House Of Urban Grooves — Various artists (Peak, 2004)
- Def Jazz — Various artists (Verve, 2005)
- Full Circle — Andre Delano (7th Note, 2005)
- Live at the Funk Lounge — Val Watson (2005)
- I'm Free — Ray Parker, Jr. (Raydio Music, 2006)
As producer
- Send It On Down WHHB Records 1985
- Love In Motion Uotahum 2000 (Jeanne Tatum)
- "Satin Doll" Smooth Jazz Shanachie 2001 Plays Duke Ellington (Various Artist)
- C-Note Liquid 8 2003 (Reggie C)
- Soundtracks
- Cornbread Earl and Me Fantasy 1975
- Armed and Dangerous Columbia 1986 (Michael Henderson)
With Andrew White
- Passion Flower AM-5 1973
- Songs For A French Lady AM-6 1974
- Theme AM-7 1975
- Live At The Foolery (Vol I) AM-8 1975
- Live At The Foolery (Vol II) AM-9 1975
- Live At The Foolery (Vol III) AM-10 1975
- Collage AM-14 1975
- Marathon (Vol VI) AM-20 1976
- Marathon (Vol VII) AM-21 1976
- Marathon (Vol VIII) AM-22 1976
- Marathon (Vol XI) AM-23 1976
- Fonk Update AM-37 1979
- I Love Japan AM-38 1979
- Have Band Will Travel AM-39 1979
References
External links
