Primary Instrument: Drums
Keith Killgo, drummer, vocalist and one of the founding members of the jazz-fusion group, the Blackbyrds, has been a part of the metamorphosis that has taken place in the world of jazz. From the age of four years old, he studied piano--going on to train with Roberta Flack. Although the piano was his first instrument, his affinity for the drums was exhibited early in his music career. By the time, he was eleven he had played drums with Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Woody Shaw, Bill Hardman, Art Blakey’s band and Eddie Harris.
Killgo entered Bradley University in Illinois where he became a part of the Joe Henderson Quintet, along with Stanley Clark, Hal Galper and Woody Shaw. After playing and touring with Joe Henderson, he attended Howard University, where he met Donald Byrd and was selected to become a member of the Blackbyrds with Orville Saunders and Joe Hall. For the next ten years, the Blackbyrds played with George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Humphrey, Sonny Rollins and Andrew White. They received an array of awards including three gold albums and a Grammy nomination for “Walking in Rhythm.” Killgo wrote several hit singles for the Blackbyrds including, “Flying High,” and “Time is Moving.”
After the affiliation with Donald Byrd ended in 1977, Killgo and the Blackbyrds collaborated with George Duke on Better Days. Killgo wrote both the title song and “Love Don’t Strike Twice.” He later went on to form Krosswinds, a seven-person band, as well as recoding a solo LP consisting of three original compositions and a new version of Tommy James’ hit single, “Crystal Blue Persuasion.” Killgo has performed and/or recorded with his own band and artists as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Joe Williams, Jimmy Witherspoon, Gary Bartz, Milt Jackson, Carla Thomas, Gerald Albright, Carl Anderson, Roland Hanna, David “Fathead” Newman, Stanley Turrentine, Joey DeFranscesco, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, James Moody, Patrice Rushen and others.
One of Keith’s projects is “StarJamz,” a music performance entertainment television special aired on TV One. The show brings together two stars from different generations to talk, perform individually, together and jam live with Keith Killgo’s StarJamz House Band. The first special features NAACP Image Award winner and American Idol 2003 champion Ruben Studdard and multiple Grammy Award-winning soul vocalist Peabo Bryson.
Keith is currently promoting his latest release, 'Mood for Love' on his Krosslink label. Featuring Donald Byrd, Larry Coryell, the late Oscar Brown, Jr and Joe Henderson, Keith Killgo returns to his roots on his sophomore solo effort with a combination of live and studio cuts.
Keith compiled This World in 2004 and recently decided to release and promote the CD globally to re-introduce Keith's funky style of jazz fusion to his fans, old and new.
“Star Eyes”, “Inner Urge”, and “Round About Midnight” were recorded live at the Seafood Festival, Colton Point, MD in 2000. The tracks feature Keith Killgo on Drums, Cheney Thomas on Bass, Larry Coryell on Guitar, and Javon Jackson on Tenor Sax.
“Kojo Blues” and “Zane” were recorded live in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2001. “Kojo Blues” features Keith Killgo on Drums/Vocals, Orville Saunders II on Guitar/Vocals, Joe Hall III on Bass/Vocals, Sam Smith on Vocals and Raymond Angry on Keyboards. “Zane” features Keith Killgo on Drums, Joe Hall on Bass, and Raymond Angry on Keyboards.
“Ladies Man” was recorded live in Camden, New Jersey at “Sunset Concerts” in 2001 and features Keith Killgo on Vocals/Percussion/Keyboards, Aaron Graves on Keyboards, and Oscar Brown Jr. on Vocals.
“Who Needs Love” and “Sparkle Byrd” were recorded at No Evil Studios, Washington, D.C. in 1986. “Who Needs Love” features Keith Killgo on Drums/Vocals/Percussion/Keyboards, Gary Grainger on Bass, Aaron Graves on Keyboards/Vocals, Dave Hanbury on Guitar, Roslyn Monroe on Vocals, and Joe Henderson on Tenor Sax. “Sparkle Byrd” features Keith Killgo on Drums/Lead Vocals/Keyboards, Gary Grainger on Bass, Aaron Graves on Keyboards, Ivan Printis on Vocals, and Keith Killgo's mentor, the legendary Donald Byrd on Trumpet.
This World was recorded at Joe Hall Studios in 2002. This World features Keith Killgo on Drums/Vocals/Keyboards, Orville Saunders on Acoustic Guitar, Joe Hall on Bass, Sam Smith on Lead Vocals, Tim Eyerman on Flute, and Jean Claude on Spoken Word.
