BAND DETAIL: Brian Keane
Brian Keane performs with a twinkle in his eye. Sometimes it is a twinkle of
mischief as he tells the lyrical story of Odysseus, his westernized, modern
tribute to the Odyssey. Other times, it is a twinkle of conviction as he strums
through stories of a life worth living and time well spent - despite the
inevitable scrapes and bruises that come along with it.
Originally from South Carolina, Keane's story line is shaped from stints of time
spent in New York City, Boston, and currently, Austin, Texas. At the end of 2006
and the beginning of 2007, Keane toured world-wide with Patrice Pike, playing
keys and electric guitar. In the past he performed as a keyboardist in the house
band of NYC's famed Cafe Wha? and worked as a multi-instrumentalist (singer,
bassist, pianist, and banjoist) and writer with the NYC bluegrass band Red
Rooster. As a founding member of the Band of Heathens, he swapped songs in the
group whose sound is often summed up by the words "rock and roll stew".
Keane plays well with others, but is not afraid to sit alone in the spotlight -
and he is not afraid to entertain an audience. "I just want the audience to have
fun", says Keane. "I keep eye contact with as many people as I can. I want to
see how people react when they hear a song." Keane is aware of how the words of
his songs can penetrate the hearts of listeners and bring to mind memories that
may include hard times. Still, he hopes some, including himself, can find some
resolution in relating to experiences and observations turned to lyric. And,
when he senses things are getting a little heavy, that's when he pulls out one
of his many songs that beg to be sung with a sly grin. "I like to mix it up so
people don't take themselves too seriously. So I don't take myself too
seriously."
Keane's debut album, I Ain't Even Lonely, released in 2005 to both critical
acclaim and commercial success. "I Ain't Even Lonely sounds as if Keane played
it in his head for years before finally laying it down. There's just such an
easy grace at work here. May Mr. Keane make many more..." stated Michael
Corcoran of XLent Magazine.
In March, Keane's fans will get a preview of his sophomore effort, with the
release of the single "Forbidden", a semi-autobiographical tale of a romance
that tests the boundaries of a personal faith. A full-length album is scheduled
to follow in the fall of 2007.
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