Bio

[b]About Keyan [/b] Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Keyan Williams now makes his home in Phoenix, Arizona. Keyan started playing the sax at age 8 and by the age of 16 he was playing Jazz Sax and Classical Flute. Keyan has never been shy to play for crowds. Many fans of his music have said that his style reminds them of Grover Washington Jr., and he is very humbled by their compliments. Grover Washington Jr., musically influenced Keyan, along with many other jazz artists like: Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery and Stanley Clarke. Keyan recently released his new CD, “The Art of Living”. The CD is a groove filled production that is reminiscent of the kind of music Grover made. Keyan says, “Grover Washington Jr. is one of my favorite musicians. He would give you a great show with three hours of non-stop playing. I wanted to keep that kind of drive alive. It’s music with really strong grooves, to get back to what I call the original smooth jazz sound. I think I’ve done that with this album”. When it comes to live performances, Keyan plays from the heart and you’ll never hear him play a solo the same way twice. He has been gracing the stage since his very early years, playing at various venues like Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. Keyan has had the honor of sharing the stage with Herbie Hancock, Chic Corea, and Junior Cook. These experiences helped make him the performer he is today. Keyan’s charity of choice is the Arizona chapter of the American Diabetes Association. This charity is close to Keyan’s heart given that he has lost his Grandfather and more recently, a wonderful Aunt to this terrible disease. Recent Live Performances: Orozko Lounge/John Ascuagus Nugget Casino Reno, Nevada Phoenix Flame Basket ball Game Phoenix, Arizona News Channel 3 TV, Good Morning Phoenix Arizona Verrado Jazz Fest Buckeye Arizona Tucson Jazz Festival Tucson Arizona San Jose Jazz Festival - August 2009 In The Media United Center- Chicago Bulls - Performed National Anthem Keyan was featured in the October 2006 ABYSS Jazz Magazine. Keyan was featured as the Indie-Music Artist with Indie-Music.com January 18th, 2007 with 88.1 FM at Fisk University in Nashville, TN April 11th, 2007 with 92.1 FM Smooth Jazz Reno Nevada Airplay Terrestrial Radio: 88.1 WFSK FM, 99.5 FM WSUR, KCCK FM, WSIE 88.7FM, KJZS 92.1 FM, WHCR 90.3FM, KUNV 91.5 FM, WEIB 106.3 FM TV- Cable: Keyan’s music can be heard on “Your Local on the 8’s with The Weather Channel” at www.weather.com Internet Radio: Fredio Radio www.fredio.com/index.php?stationid=1&genre=Jazz New Artist Radio www.newartistradio.com/members/members/396/ Live 365 www.live365.com/stations/cruisenjazz E- Radio Biz www.e-radiobiz.com/default.asp?artid=157 Artist First www.artistfirst.com/(Switzerland) Smooth Vibes www.smoothvibes.com/swissgroove.html Atlanta Blue Sky www.atlantabluesky.com(Jazz Colors) Radio Jazz Plus www.radiojazzplus.com/ Radio Zenwaw www.radio.zenwaw.com/ Echo Radio www.echosmoothjazz.com/ Reviews “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.” –Rachelle Bivins, Abyss Jazz Magazine “The title track on the new release The Art of Living makes me feel a little homesick. This song reminds me a lot of my time in 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 sounds really nice. Overall, a very cool song. I’m going to call my parents now.” -Jacob Dixon from Pratteln, Switzerland “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!” - Morris Plains