Summer 2009
Spring was filled with filled with many exciting events. In April, I was guest artist at Cal State Los Angeles and held a clinic in Jazz Improvisation. It was well attended and concluded with me staying afterwards for a jam session with the students. I want to thank Dr. James Ford for this invitation to share my knowledge and experiences with these young minds. Also that month I did an interview for CJOY radio network and music from my “A Grateful Heart “ CD was featured. I took questions from callers nation-wide and gave away several CD’s to listeners. On April 26th I was honored to be a guest-performing artist at Saddleback Church in Lake Forrest, California (Rick Warren-lead pastor). I performed with the Gospel Choir and was featured on solo selections from “A Grateful Heart” CD. It was an awesome and inspiring experience!
In May, I performed with my super jazz trio at the prestigious “Vibrato Grill” (Herb Albert’s venue) in Bel Air, California. The musicians included world-class heavyweights Trevor Ware on acoustic bass and Will Kennedy on drums. We played a mixture of originals and some of my favorite jazz standards and had a magnificent time performing in this context. The piano, stage and atmosphere make this a destination to revisit with the trio.
On June 3rd, I shared the stage with Dr. Conrad Hutchinson and The Inglewood High School Concert and Jazz Bands at their Spring Concert. Held in Inglewood California, this was my third consecutive appearance with the students. As part of our Toney Family Foundation, it is with great joy and humility that I give of my time and effort in working side by side with tomorrow’s future leaders in the arts. Please try to support this school in their efforts to get funding for badly needed new band instruments and equipment
I look forward to the July 26th concert at Guidance Church in Los Angeles. It will consist of solo and trio performances and will include many songs from “A Grateful Heart “. I will include some of my favorite spiritual songs as well as original favorites from my previous recordings. There are several other upcoming performances throughout the summer including Detroit, Santa Cruz, Oakland, CA, Saddleback Church Summer Concert Series and in Europe with my dear friend, Ray Parker Jr. Please come see us at any of these up coming shows.
I’m currently involved in conceptualizing and writing music for a new solo recording project. I’m delighted to be collaborating with the brilliant Don Mizell.
An industry great, he is best known as being one of the co-producers for the Ray Charles album “Genius Loves Company” which was a multi Grammy winner.
Most important, I’m proud of my daughter’s graduation from New York University’s Tish Department with a BA degree in Drama! My family was in the “Big Apple” back in May for this event and had the opportunity to see her perform in “Diva’s Dealing”. This is an original theater piece that was part of Dominique’s graduation requirements. She wrote the script, composed songs, and acted the lead in this outstanding ensemble piece! This was in addition a family affair with wife Phyllis as costume designer and coordination and myself as arranger and pianist in the show. We are currently in the recording studio collaborating on new songs for her solo project.
May we all continue to give praise and glory to God for his continue love and blessings in our lives! Remember, it is better to give than to receive.
KT