SOLO ARTIST KEITH PHILLIPS TO APPEAR IN CONCERT THIS FALL
August 2003

by Shelly Unger, freelance reporter
ATLANTA Audiences will be given the rare opportunity to hear Keith Phillips, a metro-based solo piano and keyboard performer, live in concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.  Advance tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 770-461-1260.  Tickets will also be available at the door the day of the concert. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for youth.
     While Phillips has been heard for years in cover bands and local congregations, nowhere is his artistry more clearly displayed than in his first CD "Nightfall".  Released November 2002, "Nightfall" is a sparkling collection of 17 original melodies "specifically designed to take the listener on a pleasurable journey," explained Phillips. Folk tunes and Irish dance are found among the rhythmically energized melodies, which are interspersed with rhapsodic flowing melodies that are improvisatory in their conception, creating satisfying balance of slow-paced and fast songs. 
Fare for the October concert is sure to include favorites from "Nightfall".  The program will also feature new pieces as a second CD (anticipated release 2004) is also in the works.  Never fully departing from his classical training, which Phillips admits under girds all his compositions, concertgoers can anticipate a classical gem or two.  Never rule out an element of surprise either, muses Phillips, who is characterized by his sense of humor as well as his laidback nature.
     While managing the demands of CD distribution and a career that seems to be evolving in the direction of solo artist, Phillips teaches and plays as part of the worship ministry and team at East Cobb's 6,000 member Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta.  In fact, the intrinsic value of music education remains a central theme.  Championing this, Phillips decided to publicize this event through the local newsletter of the Georgia Music Teachers Association and designate the program advertising of the concert proceeds to the Cobb County Music Teachers Association scholarship fund.
     Phillips began his formal musical training while living in Athens at six with piano lessons on the 1918 Wellington piano that was a gift from his grandmother.  "She instilled a great love of music in my mother, who to this day is a dedicated singer.  She almost majored in vocal performance while in college," added Phillips.
During high school Phillips won scholarships to the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC, where he spent several summers studying with nationally and internationally recognized musicians.  He also spent a life- changing summer in Georgiaís Governors Honors program, where he studied with Paula Peace of the Atlanta Chamber Players.  "I am forever grateful to her for letting me explore composition," remarked Phillips whose initiation into improvisation came as pianist for the Cedar Shoals High School Jazz Band.
     He studied music on scholarship at Furman University, where he was inspired by previous classmate Amy Grant, and the University of Georgia, which led to lots of performing in Athens bands."Athens is such a great music town.  I played with the R & B band "The Common People", the acoustic rock band "Shadowcaste", and country band "The High Country"," said Phillips, who completed his education in accounting at the University of Georgia.
     Playing in churches is another personal tradition begun at 18 that continues to this day.  In fact, Phillips was pianist at a methodist church in Athens, the same church attended by (R.E.M.) Michael Stipe's family. "Every Christmas Eve, Michael would sing hymns at the church. It was amazing. It's like witnessing Bono (of the Irish band U2) doing that," said Phillips. "Michael is such an incredible artist.  His grandfather was a Methodist minister, so he grew up in the church. To have that caliber of a person around is truly inspiring."   "It's exciting to go through the process of creating a CD.  You put it out there and just see where it leads.  Ultimately it is all about sharing music, my music with others,"said Phillips. 
     "Nightfall" has garnered positive feedback from Peter Mansi, editor of New Age Voice magazine as well as a positive review from Dan Liss of Oracle 20/20 magazine.  Well-known producer/manager Hiram Hicks (who has worked with acts such as Boys II Men, Keith Sweat, and TLC) thinks "Nightfall brings a breath of fresh air to New Age music."  
     "Nightfall" was included in this year's Maestro's Market,  the gift shop of the Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorator Showhouse, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.  "Nightfall" is available at more than 75 locations, including the Woodruff Arts Center Gift Shop, Wild Flowers in Acworth, and through Amazon.com.  For more information about Phillips and/or "Nightfall" contact the artist at www.keithphillips.net.