"journey" is Bill Keis first CD from way back in 1999. Re-released, now available for download. Features 12 original jazz compositions.
The Journey CD is fresh and innovative. It is high energy, but not too esoteric. This music appeals to a wide audience. Everyone from the average listener to the jazz aficionado will find the music very accessible. Even people that don’t normally like jazz find they really enjoy it. Bill features 12 of his compositions on this 74 minute CD.
“Bill plays with an intensity that I’ve seen in only a few other pianists, like Chick Corea for example.” — Joe Heese, former Road Manger for Chick Corea
“I love the tunes, especially the funk and Latin ones. Great chops on the keyboards.” — Doug West, Producer
“You guys sound great.” — David Campbell, multi-platinum arranger
“Your CD sounds great!” — Mark Koval, Emmy-nominated composer
L.A. Jazz Scene
September 1999
(Issue No. 145)
BILL KEIS
Journey
(Jammin’ Mug)
“Rambling electronic keyboard melodies and a snappy drum back beat give Bill Keis’s album a perky character. It’s the kind of contemporary jazz session that gets the most out of electric bass, keyboard, and drums.
“Although drummers Kendall Kay and Joel Taylor are limited for the most part to time-keeping, saxophonist Andy Suzuki is allowed ample time and space to express freely on tenor, soprano, and flute. Besides writing everything on the album, Keis plays a lyrical keyboard and piano.
“The pianist’s twelve song titles reveal quite a lot about the music by their descriptive nature. ‘San Dimas Senorita’ is an upbeat Latin affair, while ‘Savannah West Blues’ strolls slowly and deliberately with a vocal-like tenor saxophonist lead and ‘greasy’ organist support. ‘Seabreeze’ unites piano and flute in a New Adult Contemporary waltz; this one was used for an episode of the television series General Hospital. Keis offers tribute to his family and to jazz pianists Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea. For Hancock, ‘Mr. Hip’ is a real swinger, while the mood and aura of Corea’s ‘Spain’ show up in Keis’s composition ‘Pitter Patter.’ Finally, there’s a piece called ‘L.A.’ that is offered as a tribute to Los Angeles. The pianist’s composition includes a cocky ‘Seinfeld’ electric bass riff, son montuno piano, soulful tenor sax blues wailing, and closes with piano and saxophone trading fours (unlike the commonplace cellular phone conversation) face to face.”
—Jim Santella
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