The fall is here and many new and exciting projects are happening. But first off, I want to give a very special happy birthday greeting to my ever dynamic and loving wife. Phyllis and I celebrated her birthday in grand style this past September in Las Vegas as we had an incredible time in the “City Of Lights”. I wanted to give her something intangible, something that couldn’t be bought so I composed and recorded a “Birthday” composition for her.

KEVIN TONEY VIDEO ON DEMAND is now playing on CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS in the following California markets: Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, and the San Gabriel Valley. The video features concert performances at the Pasadena Jazz Festival (2005) and The Long Beach Jazz Festival (2005). The band includes the world-class musicianship of Ray Parker Jr. and Craig T. Cooper (guitars), Andre Delano (saxophones), Noriko Olling (keys), Alex Al and Ernest Tibbs (bass), Trevor Lawrence Jr. and Chad Wright (drums), Charles Veal, Michelle Nardone, Ami Levy and Chris Reutinger and Kevin Buck (string section).

DM Records (http://www.dmrecords.com) is releasing a two-disc set titled “Retrospectives”. This collection hits the stores on October 10, 2006 and features some of my early favorites including Kings, Aphrodisiac, Intimate Persuasions, A Deeper Shade Of Love, Celebration, 15 Years and more! This is a great opportunity to get my early solo recordings “Lovescape” and “Pastel Mood.”

I’ve got some very exciting live shows coming up starting with the Jackie Robinson Foundation “Jazz-Picnic On The Grass” concert on October 14,2006 in Sherman Oaks, CA. (www.jackierobinson.org) This is the first annual West Coast event that will raise funds for graduating African American high school seniors to receive 4-year scholarships and mentoring! I honored to be a featured guest artist on a show that will also include Patti Austin, Kenny Rankin, Lalah Hathaway, Carmen Lundy, Michael Paulo, Harold Wheeler and others. From October 23-28, I’ll be in Tokyo, Japan performing at the Cotton Club with my long time friend Ray Parker Jr. November 9-11 will have me performing again with Ray and his band at The Vault 350 “Backstage” room in Long Beach, CA (http://www.vault350.com). From November 17-19, I’ll be doing a weekend of performances as soloist and guest artist at Columbia College in Sonoma, California (http:columbia.yosemite.cc.ca.us/Jazz/jazzdept.htm). I performed with the University Big Band and small combos under the direction of Rod Harris in 2004 and had a wonderful time. I’m looking forward to making music with this wonderful ensemble once again!

In early October, the LA music community mourned and celebrated the passing of a wonderful friend and colleague, Oji Pierce. He was an outstanding producer, keyboardist, composer and a great person. Oji was loved by many and will be truly missed.

Peace, love, and blessings,

Kevin Toney