Kevin Toney

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KEVIN TONEY BIOGRAPHY

The ever-evolving Pianist/Composer Kevin Toney is constantly exploring, and developing new musical horizons. As a world-renowned recording artist and musician, Kevin’s music covers a broad range of styles and is timeless, classic yet always contemporary. Kevin describes his music as being cosmopolitan in scope, a jazz style that embraces traditional, urban, gospel, classical and contemporary elements all wrapped up in a sophisticated package! Urban Network declares “Kevin Toney has proven himself to be among the most masterful and versatile keyboardist of his generation, playing with a technical proficiency that is at the absolute peak of the contemporary jazz game.” Billboard Magazine notes “Toney's piano skills and ear for melody set him apart from the pack and make him enjoyable and engaging."

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan where he attended the prestigious Cass Technical High School, Kevin was well into many years of performing with the groundbreaking jazz-fusion group The Blackbyrds when he received his B.A. in Composition and Jazz Studies from Howard University. Seven albums were recorded with the group, three of which were certified gold, and many of their hit songs including “Rock Creek Park” and the Grammy nominated “Unfinished Business” were written by Kevin.

In the years between the Blackyrds and his success as a solo recording artist, Kevin showcased his musical versatility as a conductor and arranger for top recording and performing artists including: James Ingram, Patti Austin, Michael McDonald, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Carl Anderson, Edwin Hawkins and Isaac Hayes. He also served as conductor and arranger for productions of: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Five Guys Named Moe, Sophisticated Ladies, Harlem Suite, Wild Women Blues (featuring Linda Hopkins) The Magic Of Motown: A Tribute To Barry Gordy and Atlanta. He has also recorded and/or performed with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Seal, Annie Lennox, Shirley Caesar, Ray Charles, Ray Parker Jr., Pink, Kenny Burrell, Nancy Wilson and O.C. Smith to name a few.

Although Kevin released his first solo recording, Special K, in 1982, his career as a solo artist really began to take off in l994 with the release of Lovescape, which yielded two major smooth jazz radio hits in "Kings” and “Aphrodisiac”. His follow-up was the 1995 release of Pastel Mood, which featured vocal legend Carl Anderson and subsequent releases of: Extra Sensual Perception, Strut, Sweet Spot, 110 Degrees And Rising and Retrospectives which was released in 2006. The 2002 Winter Olympic Committee selected the Strut CD as part of its "official music" alongside material by Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys and Shakira. Kevin’s collaboration with “Unwrapped” producer Tony Joseph on the unprecedented compilation Def Jazz, an all-star smooth jazz interpretation of rap classics, was released in 2005 on Def Jam Records. Featured performances with Hubert Laws on the catchy “Bring the Pain” and the standout radio hit “Hey Young World” with Gerald Albright were highlights of the project.

Marking a milestone in his career, Kevin’s current project titled “A Grateful Heart” is his first ever solo piano recording. Deeply personal and introspective, “A Grateful Heart” is a journey of discovery and revelation. Kevin is also realizing the fulfillment of two long held career dream objectives with the recent publication of the “Kevin Toney Collection Volume 1” which includes 24 of his most popular recorded compositions as well as scoring a full length feature film titled “Kings of the Evening”. With his wife Phyllis and children, Jason and Dominique, The Toney Family Foundation has found roots with a focus on music and arts related philanthropy. Kevin’s light continues to shine on the musical landscape with his creative vision and diverse talents opening the world to a rare genius exhibited by few but experienced by many.

[edit] Discography as a Solo Artist

Special K - (1982)
Lovescape - (1994)
Pastel Mood - (1995)
Extra Sensual Perception - (1999)
Strut - (2001)
Smooth Jazz Love Songs - (2001)
Sweet Spot - (2003)
110 Degrees And Rising - (2005)
(Retrospectives (2006)
A Grateful Heart-Solo (2008)

Disography with other Artist

With Blackbyrds

1. Better Days Fantasy 1981 2. Action (RIAA Gold LP) Fantasy 1978 3. Unfinished Business Fantasy 1977 (RIAA Gold LP) 4. City Life (RIAA Gold LP) Fantasy 1976 5. Cornbread, Earl and Me Fantasy 1975 6. Flying Start Fantasy 1974 7. Blackbyrds Fantasy 1973

With Various Artist

1. I’m Free Raydio Music 2006 (Ray Parker Jr) 2. Def Jazz Verve 2005 (Various Artist) 3. Full Circle 7th Note 2005 (Andre Delano) 4. Live At The Funk Lounge 2005 (Val Watson) 5. The House Of Urban Grooves Peak 2004 (Various Artist) 6. Nu Life Stories Hip Bop 2003 (Dave McMurray) 7. Life Changes Sampson 2001 (Doc Powell) 8. Street Sax 1999 (Chazzy Green) 9. Duets Blue Note 1996 (Paul Jackson Jr) 10. Love Letters Sin Drome 1996 (Craig T. Cooper) 11. Unforgettable Sax 1994 (Hugh Brodie) 12. Get The Feeling Fantasy 1993 (Two Tons: Martha Wash/ Azora Armstead) 13. Joyful Noise Rhino 1992 (Chester Thompson) 14. Midnite Blue KICJ (import) 1991 (Phil Upchurch) 15. After Midnight Arista 1987 (Ray Parker Jr) 15. Piano In The Dark A & M 1987 (Brenda Russell) 16. Soul Jazz 1986 (Rahmlee Michael Davis) 17. We Call It the Box MCA 1983 (Bill Summers and Summers Heat) 18. You Can Call It What You Want MCA 1981 (Bill Summers and Summers Heat) 19. Sharon Redd 1980 (Sharon Redd) 20. Fell Mighty Reel Honey/Fantasy 1979 (Sylvester) 21. Scratch My Back Fantasy 1979 (David “Fathead” Newman 22. Caricatures Blue Note 1977 (Donald Byrd) 23. Places And Spaces Blue Note 1976 (Donald Byrd) 24. Live At Montreux Blue Note 1973 (Bobbi Humphrey) 25. Live At Montreux) Blue Note 1973 (Alphonse Mouzon 26. Live At Montreux Blue Note 1973 (Marlena Shaw)

As Producer

1. C-Note Liquid 8 2003 (Reggie C) 2. “Satin Doll” Smooth Jazz Shanachie 2001 Plays Duke Ellington (Various Artist) 3. Love In Motion Uotahum 2000 (Jeanne Tatum) 4. Send It On Down WHHB Records 1985

Soundtracks

1. Armed and Dangerous Columbia 1986 (Michael Henderson) 2. Cornbread Earl and Me Fantasy 1975

With Andrew White

1. Passion Flower AM-5 1973 2. Songs For A French Lady AM-6 1974 3. Theme AM-7 1975 4. Live At The Foolery (Vol I) AM-8 1975 5. Live At The Foolery (Vol II) AM-9 1975 6. Live At The Foolery (Vol III) AM-10 1975 7. Collage AM-14 1975 8. Marathon (Vol VI) AM-20 1976 9. Marathon (Vol VII) AM-21 1976 10. Marathon (Vol VIII) AM-22 1976 11. Marathon (Vol XI) AM-23 1976 12. Fonk Update AM-37 1979 13. I Love Japan AM-38 1979 14. Have Band Will Travel AM-39 1979