spacer

Fall 2007

Summer 2007 got off to a big bang as I performed with members of the original Blackbyrds for the first time in over twenty-five years! We played at the Capitol Jazz Festival located just outside of Washington, D.C. on June 3rd. It was the bands reunion concert and it was lots of fun to see and perform with Keith, Joe and Orville. In pouring rain we played to a huge crowd of adoring, new and longtime fans. Our show featured many of the bands hits including Rock Creek Park, Happy music, Walking In Rhythm, Soft and Easy, Dominoes (recorded by Donald Byrd) and Kings, my solo recording radio hit. Look for more performances to follow in 2008.

Our Toney Family Foundation got off the ground in May 2007 as we gave Inglewood High School (located in Inglewood California) a professional keyboard. This gift was presented to the schools principal Ms. Debbie Tate, band director Mr. Conrad Hutchinson and choir director Ms Margaret Pitts, by Phyllis and myself. On June 7, I performed with the schools concert and jazz band as guest artist. Roland US Corporation provided a beautiful digital grand piano for the event. During the concert Phyllis and I were presented with plaques from the city of Inglewood in appreciation of our community service to the school. We were also greatly touched after receiving over one hundred letters from students I performed with. It is extremely gratifying to see how grateful the students and staff was by our act of giving. The following are some excerpts from some of the student’s letters:

“You were the first professional to play with us (Inglewood High Jazz and concert Bands) which is a once, if ever in a lifetime experience. If we had ten thousand tongues, we could not praise you enough for what you have done”…. Clarissa Jackson

“ The entire band thanks you and your wife for donating that amazing piano, it looks great and we will make sure to take good care of that piano”…Vivian Medina

“ It was an honor to play with such a talented musician and an even better person”
… Jessica Gomez

We’re proud to mention that keyboard wizard; Robert Turner of Los Angeles, California is a recent recipient of a keyboard gift and accessories through our foundation. We look forward to future opportunities to share generously what God has blessed us with!

I’m proud to announce my recent new relationship with Roland US Corporation as Artist User. I had lots of fun in May 2007 shooting a promotional video for the KR117-M Digital Grand Piano. You can view the video at the following link:
http://www.rolandus.com/community/insider/artists_articles.aspx?ArticleId=57.

Fall 2007 finds me involved in a myriad of activity. I recently completed arrangements and orchestrations and production of four songs for a new music theater production titled “Neve~ah”. This show is currently running through November 4, 2007 at the Stella Adler Theater in Hollywood, California. I will also be music director for the world premier of “Atlanta”, a new musical with music composed by Marcus Hummon. Rehearsals and production run from late October to December 30, 2007. The shows take place at the Geffen Playhouse located in Westwood, California.

I’m currently completing composing, orchestration and recording for the feature film “Kings Of The Evening”. The films stars include Lynn Whitfield, Tyson Beckford, Glynn Turman and Reginald T. Dorsey. This is turning out to be a great experience in that I get to use many of my skills, talent and experience in helping create a timeless piece of art. Look for this film to be in theaters in 2008.

The Kevin Toney Fake book has been revised and has a new look and name. Now titled “The Kevin Toney Collection Volume 1” and includes photos, CD artwork and 24 original compositions in lead-sheet format. This collection is given a review in the October 2007 issue of Jazz Times Educational Supplement. This item will be available for purchase on my website by the end of October 2007.

I’m delighted that my composition “Prayer” is included in the SURVIVOR CELEBRATION CD compilation. This CD features many top artists who have contributed a song for this very special cause including Pamela Williams, Marcus Johnson and more. The purpose of this CD is to help breast cancer survivors and spread the word about early detection and breast care awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrate and support the cause through this inspirational CD! Listen to and purchase the music at www.amiestreet.com/survivor. The SURVIVOR CELEBRATION TOUR BEGINS 9/23 and it’s a 23-day tour from NYC to LA. I will be performing at their concert in the Los Angeles area on October 13, 2007 @ BB Kings in Universal City, CA. For more information go to the following website www.survivorcelebration.com

Finally birthday shout outs go to brother Derrick (August 7) and Phyllis (September 8). I wish Dominique a successful junior year at the new experimental theater studio at NYU. Congratulations go to Jason for his continuing success at Disney.

Peace and Blessings,

KT

Posted October 05th 2007

Spring 2007

I am extremely excited and blessed to share with you that I’m scoring my first full feature film. This is an independent production, which is currently filming in Austin, Texas with the working title of “Kings Of The Evening”. This new opportunity will keep me busy throughout the summer months.

On June 3, 2007, I will perform with the “Original Blackbyrds” as special guest at the Capital Jazz Festival in Columbia, MD. This is exciting and significant in that this will mark the first time in many years that we have all performed on the same stage together. The ‘Original Blackbyrds” are Keith Killgo (drums), Orville Saunders (guitar), Joe Hall (bass) and Kevin Toney (piano and keys). Concord Records has recently released two new Blackbyrd compilation CD’s…“Happy Music” The Best Of The Blackbyrds and “Lovebyrds” Soft and Easy (www. concordmusicgroup.com/newreleases). During the 1970’s, The Blackbyrds had huge US and international success releasing three Gold Albums (City Life, Unfinished Business and Action),
a #2 Billboard single “Walking In Rhythm”, a Grammy Nomination for best Instrumental Group for my original composition “Unfinished Business” and major performances around the world. This reunion promises to be special!

I’m putting the finishing touches on my latest recording project …”A Grateful Heart” (Kevin Toney plays solo piano) and will update you with more information soon. Birthday shouts go out to my son, Jason on March 19 and yours truly on April 23.

Peace and Blessings,

Kevin

Posted March 21st 2007

January 2007 News Update

Hi Everyone.

I’m wishing you and your family a very happy, prosperous and healthy New Year along with God’s blessings! As we leave 2006, I’m grateful for many blessings throughout last year and look forward to 2007 producing an even far abundant harvest.

My 2006 Holiday highlights included performances with my close friend and homeboy Ray Parker Jr. at the Cotton Club in Tokyo. We performed twelve shows over a week in Japan with his fabulous band. On December 2nd, I was delighted to grace the stage as a special guest artist with jazz guitar legend and supreme educator Kenny Burrell. This was part of a huge 75th birthday celebration for Kenny held at UCLA’s Royce Hall and was recorded for future release. I also performed in concert as a featured artist with the Columbia College Big Band in Sonora, California last November. This was my third appearance there as I always enjoy Dr. Rod Harris, the ensemble member’s and the beautiful, and scenic surrounding area!

January is a busy month, high-lighted by the release of my brand new and exciting “Kevin Toney Fake Book” Volume 1. This is a compilation collection of 24 original compositions, which appear on my solo recordings. Many of your favorite songs including Kings, Aphrodisiac, Extra Sensual Perception, Passion Dance, So Much Fun, 110 Degrees and Rising, Quiet Conversation and Special K are included in this book. It is available for purchase by ordering on line at ktonemusic@gmail.com or by mail order. Send check or money order to:

K-Tone Productions
19360 Rinaldi Street Suite #476
Porter Ranch, CA 91326

Price for the book is $20.00 plus shipping. Order on line at ktonemusic@gmail.com.

Charter Cable is offering “Kevin Tone Live” DVD as a free video on demand nationwide. This one-hour DVD features concert footage from performances at the Pasadena and Long Beach Jazz Festivals in 2005. I’d like to thank the extremely talented musicians who performed including Ray Parker Jr. and Craig T. Cooper (guitars) Andre Delano (saxophones), Noriko Olling (keyboards), Alex Al and Ernest Tibbs (bass), Trevor Lawrence Jr. and Chad Wright (drums)

Look out for a special double CD compilation release of The Blackbyrds songs and some previous unreleased material in February on Concord Records. I was an original member, leader and wrote many songs for this groundbreaking Jazz-fusion group including the Grammy nominated song “Unknown Business” and “Rock Creek Park”. I will have more information on this exciting release in next month.

On January 18th I’m performing solo for the Roland Corporation on the winter NAMM show. This event is being held in the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California at 3:00pm.

I’m giving a warm and loving birthday shout out to my mother Alice-Toney Maloy (Nov 26), brother Mickey (Dec 28), sister in law Patricia Johnson (Dec 25). As we get closer to spring time, I will keep you informed on upcoming tour dates around the country.

Peace and Blessings,

KT

Posted January 18th 2007