Kiefer
A soulful jazz keyboardist and producer, Kiefer Shackelford, aka Kiefer, has earned praise for his cross-genre, hip-hop-influenced aesthetic. Based in Los Angeles, he emerged in 2017 with his independent debut, Kickinit Alone. The album found him embracing a hip-hop and R&B vibe that eschewed samples in favor of nuanced jazz harmonies and improvisation. His sophomore effort, Happysad, appeared in 2018 and was followed by the seven-track Superbloom EP in 2019. Between Days arrived in 2021, followed by the solo It's OK, B U two years later.
Born in 1992 in San Diego, Shackelford started playing piano around age six, and was first introduced to jazz by his father. Growing up, he took classical and jazz lessons, and by his teens was an adept soloist. Also as a teenager, he began experimenting with producing his own computer-based hip-hop and electronic beats. After high school, he honed his jazz skills studying at UCLA, where he was mentored by legendary jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell, as well as flutist James Newton and pianist Tamir Hendelman. Although jazz was his focus, it was during college that Kiefer began experimenting by mixing jazz composition and live improvisation with programmed electronic beats, creating the distinctive, cross-pollinated sound that he showcased on his debut album, Kickinit Alone. He also did work with Abe Laboriel, Gabriel Castellanos, and Rob Thorsen.
Kiefer signed with Stones Throw Records and delivered his sophomore album, 2018's Happysad, which included the single "What a Day." In 2019, he further expanded his sound on the Bridges and Superbloom EPs, using various analog synths and adopting an even more compositional approach to his songwriting. 2021's Between Days, his third long-player, found him in the company of several producers including the Kount, 10.4 ROG, Lakey Inspired, and jazz trumpeter Theo Croker.
Kiefer returned with the single "August Again" during the titular month in 2023. The hazy, late-summer track featured a video visualizer by Barcelona-based artist María Medem. The 16-cut full-length, titled It's Ok, B U, for Stones Throw, marked a return to his studio roots. It showcased Kiefer playing solo piano surrounded by a wide array of homemade beats in original compositions.
© Matt Collar /TiVo
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It's Ok, B U
Electronic - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 22.09.2023
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Between Days
Hip-Hop/Rap - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 23.04.2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Plum Blossoms
Hip-Hop/Rap - Erschienen bei PLYGRND am 13.12.2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Why Not? / Montara
Kiefer, Luke Titus, Pera Krstajic
Jazz - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 31.05.2022
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
Superbloom
Electronic - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 20.09.2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
When There's Love Around
Jazz - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 27.08.2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Happysad
Electronic - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 08.06.2018
Jazz News: Album du MoisIndispensable JAZZ NEWS16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Kickinit Alone
Electronic - Erschienen bei Leaving Records am 03.03.2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Bridges
Electronic - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 05.04.2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Miss U
Electronic - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 17.01.2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Superhero
Jazz - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 10.03.2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Hip-Hop/Rap - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 21.04.2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Friends
Electronic - Erschienen bei Stones Throw Records am 31.03.2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Vou Te Ensinar Como Faz Dinheiro
Hip-Hop/Rap - Erschienen bei Kiefer am 21.08.2022
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo