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
-
It's Ok, B U
Elettronica - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 22 set 2023
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Between Days
Hip-Hop/Rap - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 23 apr 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Plum Blossoms
Hip-Hop/Rap - Pubblicato da PLYGRND il 13 dic 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Why Not? / Montara
Kiefer, Luke Titus, Pera Krstajic
Jazz - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 31 mag 2022
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
Superbloom
Elettronica - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 20 set 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
When There's Love Around
Jazz - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 27 ago 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Happysad
Elettronica - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 8 giu 2018
Jazz News: Album du MoisIndispensable JAZZ NEWS16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Kickinit Alone
Elettronica - Pubblicato da Leaving Records il 3 mar 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Bridges
Elettronica - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 5 apr 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
-
Miss U
Elettronica - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 17 gen 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Superhero
Jazz - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 10 mar 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Hip-Hop/Rap - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 21 apr 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Friends
Elettronica - Pubblicato da Stones Throw Records il 31 mar 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Vou Te Ensinar Como Faz Dinheiro
Hip-Hop/Rap - Pubblicato da Kiefer il 21 ago 2022
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo