The limbo between jazz and pop finds its groove in the notes and verses of Kiefer. Eclectic musician and composer born and raised in San Diego and now guest of lively Los Angeles, Kiefer Shackelford, known as Kiefer, is an American pianist and producer. Following his debut in 2017, the artist has made himself a name in the jazz environment, soon after entering the world of experimental pop music through collaborations with artists of the likes of Drake and Anderson .Paak, even winning a Grammy for his work with the latter. Technically impeccable, the artist has created tracks that excellently mix class, design and flow for almost a decade, and is now back with a new, full-length album.
Kiefer’s new album: Something For Real
Kiefer at the piano. Photo credit: Robb Klassen
Kiefer’s new creation is titled Something For Real, a name that intentionally interferes with the sense of magic his album radiates, thus ironically denying his magical abilities perceivable throughout the entirety of the record. Conscious of his unique and immense ability at engaging with the audience through an unmatched spark, Kiefer never miss a chance to show off his improvisation skills and perfectly crafted mastery, thus always creating a dreamy ambience for every unmissable event.
Something For Real Tracklist
01 Tubesocks
02 Montara
03 Introducing the Band
04 Fast One
05 Something For Real
06 Saying Thank Yous
07 Cute
08 Why Not?
As the album debuts in our playlists, we think it’s a good idea to bring us all back to Kiefer’s 2023 triumphant NPR Tiny Desk concert, where the artist let his art flourish in a mix of organic collaboration, meticulous solos and the never failing ability to create a tangible atmosphere in which one cannot help but be enchanted and mesmerised.
Kiefer at his 2023 NPR Tiny Desk concert
With the other two members of Kiefer Trio Luke Titus and Pera Krstajic, and with the surprise guest appearances by supremely talented friends Charlie Hunter, Nate Smith, CARRTOONS, and Theo Croker, Kiefer played a set of four songs, two of which taken from Something For Real. In the setlist also his old successes “Superhero” from 2021 Between Days and “Socially Awkward” from 2018 Happysad.
His NPR Tiny Desk concert immediately received incredible praise and appreciation by the organisers, who quoted:
“He plays with a sense of joy that I haven't seen in a while and when his eyes connect with a fellow player, it's as if he's thanking them each time. With decades clocked behind the piano and a strong catalog, Kiefer Shackelford is primed for the moment.”
Take a look at Kiefer’s Tiny Desk performance for NPR through this link.
Upcoming tour
Kiefer recently completed two sold out nights with this trio at the famed Blue Note NYC, and will soon tour Asia.
Asia Headline Tour Dates
Osaka, Japan at Billboard Live June 4
Tokyo, Japan at Billboard Live June 5
Seoul, S.Korea at West Bridge Live Hall June 6
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at Else June 8
Taipei, Taiwan at The Wall Live House June 12
If you liked this article, you might also want to check out more about New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival!
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Date of publication: May 31st, 2024
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