Keith Newton: Biography

• Updated on January 4, 2009

Spend a moment with Keith and you'll enjoy the fantastic artistry, great joy, and the unique style and groove of an exciting new artist on the rise! By taking chances and being true to himself Keith has had fantastic experiences to share his heart and soul through music, and is ready for his next great adventure.

Originally from St. Thomas U.S.V.I, Keith lives in Columbus, OH.  He makes his living as a media developer, an on-demand radio/tv personality, blogger, educator, and of course as a musician.  While each job helps to pay the bills, Keith's true passion is music. In addition to his busy life as a musician, educator, web developer, and consultant, Keith is also pursuing a PhD in Musicology from The Ohio State University.

Keith has performed with a lot of people; some by chance, others by design.  From time to time he's been heard with all kinds of artists across the musical spectrum; from classic big-band jazz of Cab Calloway, to the smooth sounds of Nick Colione; from the rock-pop of Jewel and Bare Naked Ladies, to the classic jazz of T.S. Monk.  Keith has played it, and played it with style!   He brings a lot of knowledge and experience to a stage, and basks in the joy of the experience of different musics;  wherever and whatever to which it may lead.  The bredth of his experience can best be heard on his discs, which reflect the wide range of projects and musical styles in which he plays.

"I see music without boundaries. You can enjoy music with anyone, anywhere. When music speaks a global language, the barriers disappear. It inspires us to create an experience that brings artists closer to their fans and consumers, regardless of language or style."

Keith's first solo disc, "Keith Newton:Feelin' Groovy!" (released in 2005), is a sharp departure from the routine and sameness found in many music discs.  Because of Keith's unique approach to music, Feelin' Groovy was received well by fans and critics alike.  The  originality, passion, and fresh twists and turns in the music let Keith's music speak with authority, but it also communicate with people on any level. Feelin Groovy has sophistication, elegance, soul, and a bit of a kick! More often, people refer to Keith's disc Feelin' Groovy as an"excellent recording debut." As one listener said, Keith has an addictive sound.The more you listen, the more you want to hear...again."

Keith amazed the people on the "All-Star Jazz Cruise" in November of 2005 when he, a passenger on the trip, got the opportunity to play with Rick Braun, Nick Colionne, Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows, Euge Groove, and all the other hired guns while at the nightly Jam Sessions.  Before the end of the week, Keith was branded a "Passenger All Star" by Nick Colionne, and he was welcomed back nightly by fans and artists alike.

For the next several years, Keith spent time away from solo work and focused on the smooth jazz group Urban Jazz Coalition.  In this, his second tenure with the band (having performed in the original from 1995 - 1999), he worked hard to energize people through amazing performances on both saxophone and flute.  As a writer, he wrote or co-wrote more than half of the songs on UJC's Down To Get Up, a CD that won great acclaim in the [smooth jazz world].  Keith spent the next several years working almost exclusively with UJC, and committing time and resources towards the group's continues success.  In addition to his musical duties, Keith also served as webmaster for UJC's web prescence; preparing audiovisual media for the group, recording performances, creating flyers, videos, and much more.  In 2008, Urban Jazz Coalition decided to move in a new direction, changing both personnel and musical styles.  No longer burdened by the demands of supporting the band, Keith is taking time and getting ready for his next great adventure.

"I like living life doing what I love, and I do love to entertain!"

Keith is now working on his next solo project (tentative release sometime in 2009) and he is focused on sharing the originality, power, energy, and passion from his heart with you.  He's also continuing to evolve as a musician and is incorporating even more R&B, hip-hop, and global grooves into the music he creates.

While he's not a household name, yet, Keith is an artist worth hearing, and worth enjoying, and doing so again and again.

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