Kevin Reeves
It's About Time
© 2006 Reevesman Entertainment (842841009190)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Charismatic vocalist/keyboardist, Kevin Reeves, blends an electrifying combination of strong pop hooks with the sonic theatrics of such greats as Elo, Queen, 10 CC, etc.
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Kevin Reeves’s musical journey has been an amalgamation of many styles, each day bringing new forms of artistic expression. As the son of a young member
of the U.S. Coast Guard, his family moved numerous times allowing Kevin to experience different cultural communities. From the down-home country music
of Alabama, to the many forms of Hip hop originating in California, Kevin assimilated these musical styles and incorporated them into his arsenal of musical
ideas.
Born on December 22, 1977 in Frankfort Michigan he was diagnosed with Optic Nerve Atrophy, a condition, which caused him to be totally blind. This visual
impairment did not negatively affect his young life. Kevin’s early childhood was met with total inclusion into the sighted world around him and daily filled
with the music of Billy Joel, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Grover Washington Jr. and the Electric Light Orchestra.
At age 3, he moved to Mobile, Alabama where he heard the music of Charlie Daniels, Lynard Skynard and Alabama. Combined with the rock of 38 Special, Billy
Joel and others, Kevin began to understand and differentiate the many musical styles that existed, adding each one to his lexicon.
Elementary school brought Kevin back to northern Michigan where he not only furthered his exploration of the idioms of rock music, but also began to gain
an interest in the sound of electronic instruments such as synthesizers, keyboards and drum machines. In 1985, at age eight, he received a small toy keyboard
that propelled his interest to new heights. Several times, he tried to take up piano as an academic instrument but to no avail. He was too free spirited
to exert the discipline needed for learning written pieces. Instead, he spent his time working with his keyboard and the family’s upright piano exploring
his musical world for himself.
At this time, he began to take a deep interest in the art rock of Yes, Pink Floyd, the Moody Blues, Rush, post "Rubber Soul" Beatles and Electric Light
Orchestra. While his sighted counterparts were sneaking flashlights into their rooms in order to read at night, Kevin was sneaking headphones or putting
speakers under his pillow in order to hear the sounds of local rock radio station WKLT. "There was this really cool show on Sunday nights called The Sunday
Night Sides at 8," Kevin remembers. "Dave Duran would play a side from 8 albums." "I especially remember when he played side 3 of "The Wall." Man that
was something I had never heard before as an 8 year-old kid."
1989 found Kevin in Northern California, near San Francisco, where he was introduced to the black culture and the music it held dear. He began to experience
the hip-hop of Public Enemy, the R&B of Boys to Men and the vocal jazz of Take 6. This was also supplemented by the hard rock culture of Metallica, Pantera,
Slayer, Van Halen and Nirvana.
Toward the end of his Junior High career, he began to take an interest in choral music and began his classical vocal training that he continued off and
on until the completion of his college career. He also once again attempted to take piano lessons, coming under the tutelage of jazzer Dean Solan, who
brought to Kevin’s musical journey the influences of jazz and blues. Kevin soon learned the basic theoretical concepts behind these styles, later building
on them as his musical ability increased.
In the summer of 1993, Kevin once again returned to Northern Michigan, where he began his High School career at Traverse City Central High. There, he involved
himself in the choral program, working under the direction of Russ Larimer. During this time, Reeves began to study audio production, sound re-enforcement,
and electronic music composition. Larimer allowed him to use these skills in several capacities during his high school career. Reeves also heavily involved
himself in the local Christian music scene, playing with several local bands and performing at several local churches.
Graduation ushered in a 2-year season of uncertainty for Kevin. He knew that he wanted to be a performing musician, as well as working within the recording
field. With no focus and no direction Kevin entered Northwestern Michigan College in the fall of 1997. Following a disastrous semester, which included
suffering the loss of two grandparents in a matter of a month, Kevin returned home to pursue his musical goals. He thought that a fresh clean start would
help him make something happen. But without direction, he was unable to create any opportunities for himself, except for a few church gigs, club dates,
and a couple of wedding receptions as a DJ. He even tried his hand at playing keyboards in a blues band, but this did not bring him any sense of happiness
or direction. In result, he began to make preparations to attend Spring Arbor College, a small Christian Liberal arts college near Jackson Michigan. This
decision, made in February of 1999, would positively effect the direction of his musical career forever.
With a new lease on life and a fresh sense of direction, he began to invest in his musical career, purchasing his first digital recording unit. Kevin’s
first independent collection of original music was recorded over a two-week period in August of 1999, and featured five original songs and one cover. Entitled,
“Where Love and Justice Meet”, this project became the first step in helping Kevin realize his dream to become a recording artist.
After two years at Spring Arbor College, Kevin expanded his horizons and began to truly learn a musical trade by transferring to Greenville College in the
fall of 2001. During his two years at Greenville College, another small Christian Liberal arts institution in Greenville, Ill, he began to study the recording
arts and the mechanics of the music industry itself, working under the direction of Mike Johnson (University of Miami), and Andrea Johnson (Island Records,
Estefan Enterprises (Sony), Silverlight Entertainment (Warner Bros) and Palm Pictures/Rykodisc). He also furthered his exploration of jazz and fusion.
The change in college atmosphere brought a spiritual change as well. Kevin soon came to the realization that his involvement in Christian music ministry
began to rob him of his artistic expression. His music had become utilitarian, pushing artistic expression out of the picture. In result, Kevin retreated
from music ministry and chose to create art for art’s sake. This artistic realization brought Kevin to another spiritual search, which he continues today.
During his senior year of college, Kevin was accepted to attend the Contemporary Music Center, a 3 month program on Martha’s Vineyard, which began in the
fall of 2003. Under the direction of Tom Willitte and Warren Petit, this program provided an eye-opening experience for Kevin. Not only was he given real
world knowledge of the music industry, but his somewhat dormant songwriting skills were encouraged and brought to life. During this 3 month period, Kevin
struggled to find his sound. Thrust into an environment where most of his peers spent their greater musical experience as writers, forced Kevin to come
to grips with his weakness as a songwriter and push through his self-imposed roadblocks. This experience allowed him to write and record “Shine,” a song
birthed out of Kevin’s intense desire to reach his potential, and prove a point to a critical professor. "I was sitting out on the picnic tables with Tom,"
Reeves recalls. "I asked him if he thought I could really do it as an artist. He said that he wasn't sure, because he had only seen me doing canny imitations
of other artists. At that very moment, I came face to face with the artist I wanted to be, but wasn't. That's where Shine came from. Tom wasn't telling
me I couldn't do it. He was just telling me that he hadn't yet seen me do it. So, from that day forward, I proved to him and the other students that I
could indeed do it. After years of living in musical darkness, I knew that it was time for me to Shine."
“Shine” is Kevin’s first single from his debut full length solo release entitled “It’s About Time.” Kevin’s local and worldwide fan base have been expanded thanks to the Podsafe Music Network, a project for Independent Musicians spearheaded
by Adam Curry, of MTV VJ fame. In support of his new release, Kevin will be touring extensively.
© 2006 Kevin Reeves
reviews
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An awesome creation: Enjoyable from beginning to end!
author: Amy BillmanA powerful album from beginning to end, this extraordinary creation by this amazing artist and musician, has restored my faith in the Indie music scene, as well as in the music industry itself. The soul behind the depth of lyrics in songs such as Shine, along with the heart grabbing and romantic In Love With You, reveal to the listener a portrait of a true artist—one not in it for the show and superficiality of the industry, but rather for the art and obvious love he has of creating and sharing his gift of music and expert song writing with all who listen. Kevin’s influences of groups such as ELO and Queen are obvious, but he has managed to mold these sounds into a style that is truly all his own. From beginning to end, each note and guitar riff are expertly arranged, and while the rock influences are obvious, this cd in my opinion would be a welcome edition to the collection of even those who have little interest in rock music on the whole. His vocal clarity is nothing short of spectacular! These songs seem to find themselves constantly on my Ipod, and I am quite sure that I’m not alone in this judging from other reviews that I have read. Kevin has truly put together a soulful and powerful masterpiece. In a time where music is overrun with individuals who are so much about the fake Hollywood pop sound such as the American Idol folks, Brittney Spears, and Celine Dione, (to name a few), it is a refreshing change to know that real musicians and artists still exist under the glitz that we tend to see every day. As a musician, I personally find Kevin’s work and writing inspiring, and I have enjoyed each track from beginning to end. Kevin is definitely an artist to watch for, and I look forward to hearing more in the future.
its about time
author: normanActually the CD is for my nephew-in-law. I will be taking it with me next month to the Philippines. He's 1 of your fan abroad and hes excited to get this CD since he couldnt but it there. Just to show your popularity all the way in Asia. He cant wait to have it.
Every track is worthy of a "spin" on my podcast!
author: Ed OvettFrom Slau's intro all the way to track 12 (the title track), this CD is a must in anyone's collection. No garbage here, I enjoyed every track and could feel the inspiration Kevin had in both writing and composing every song! Appropriately named, "It's About Time" a common story telling thread runs through it, from beginning to end!! Bravo!!!
- author: Missy Starkey
it was a awsome cd !i loved it !
This is a great CD!
author: Stephen StilesI first heard Kevin on Adam Curry's "Daily Source Code" podcast and had to have this disk. Kevin's ability to perform and create different styles of music is fantastic. I listen to this disk from beginning to end every time as there is no filler. Every song should be a hit. I can't wait for his next release.
Never before has there been and album so good
author: Violenlty HappyI bought this CD know full well what to expect, and it was even better than I anticipated. All the songs have a certain passion that will never be matched and a feel like no other. I found myself near tears many times throughout the album and will love the music for life.
A compelling powerful CD full of great music with no filler
author: Mike Thinks PodcastIt can be a hard thing to find these days, an artist that can not only make great music, but somehow manages to squeez all their passion and soul into it as well. When I first listened to It's About Time, I found it one of the best works I had heard in a very long time. After listening to it a few more times, I began to find even more depth and had to realize that it was even better than I first realized. The music is soulful and powerful without beating you over the head with overly redundant hard guitar riffs. The production quality is also flawless, and professional. Great Music from a great performer, I just wish he was local so I could see him live.
Simply a fantastic album from start to finish! Buy it today or you'll miss out!
author: Chris SkarstadThis CD is a masterpiece, and I don't say that about a lot of albums I hear these days. When you buy an album, you usually hear 3 or 4 good ttracks and that's all. On this one, all 11 songs, plus the intro are skillfully done! You can just tell the passion that Kevin feels for this music, and you can definitely hear his influences. I hear a bit of ELO, mixed with Billy Joel, and other rock acts, yet instead of immitating these artists, Kevin has created his own sound. It is uniquely him, and it's a wonderful album! From the sound of the ticking clock at the beginning, until the last few seconds of the title track, you will enjoy this album. Listen to it with your significant other, or listen in the car, at a party, anywhere! Not a bad track on the thing. Kevin Reeves is definitely an artist to look out for!
You need to hear the whole album....
author: Jersey ToddI had heard Kevin played on many podcasts. I had played "Shine" on my show, the Jersey Toddshow. I had heard Kevin interviewed on other podcasts, and figured that "It was about time" that I bought the album. Wow! What a fantastic album! I am totally and completely blown away. In my mind, I hear some Queen and some Billy Joel, but I also think it is just completely and uniquely Kevin Reeves. I highly recommend that you get this album.
surely one of the best rock singer/composer of the last years
author: andyi discover kevin reeves by pure chance ... i bought the record and it's simply fantastic... every song is a masterpiece ... very good ideas, very good arrangements, very good sounds and all is sung by one of the great voice i have never heard ... congratulation and more congratulation ... i think 'it's about time' will be in my cd player for weeks and weeks ... surely kevin reeves has got fans in italy now ...
Breath of Fresh Air
author: Bill Hunter - Common Ground - TexasRockBand.comSeveral podcasts that my band was featured on also featured songs by Kevin Reeves and each time I heard his songs, I had to listen again and again. Then I bought the CD. It hasn't left my CD player in weeks. Every song has several songwriting elements that are very appealing - good, strong hooks, Beatle-esque or Queen-esqe backing vocals that I like to call "ear-candy", strong attention to melody line and song structure, good production and a focus on songwriting. Excellent songs. Very well done and I strongly reccomend this CD to any music fan. If you like Jellyfish, The Tories, Queen, The Beatles, etc. then this CD is a must-have for your collection.
An oasis in the desert of modern rock
author: Eric TroupI've heard Kevin Reeves's vocal harmonies compared to those of Queen and ELO, and that's quite an accurate comparison. Often, when I buy an album, I hear one or two stand-out songs and the rest either sound like halfhearted imitations of those songs, or uninspired filler. "It's About Time" has none of that. Every song is unique, and every song is sung with passion. If any of this was uninspired, Mr. Reeves is a master at concealing that fact. This album left me wanting more, but in the way you want more after a particularly exhillarating sky-dive.
Quite Possibly The Best Overall Indie Release Of The Year.
author: Rod KimThis explosive debut from Kevin Reeves ends the ticking clock that opens this project with a barrage of keyboards and grooves that could shake the change right out of your pockets. Proceed to the next track "Shine" that screams with face-melting guitars and vocal arrangements that will make Freddie Mercury sit up from his grave to applaud. Other stand out tracks include the post-911 haunted "Peace" and pop-rock gem "Wasted" (possibly my personal favorite). Devoted fans of Reeves through the years are no stranger to the swooning "I'm In Love With You" and this studio cut gives you everything you loved about it the first time you heard it in that smoky bar or club near you. Overall, this album does not have a "miss" track from start to finish with no doubt in my mind that each and every song will become someone's favorite in time. In a little under 50 minutes, you journey with a struggling artist discovering himself and conquering fears of life and love - all neatly packed in a 4.5" jewel case. What to do now? Take this disc and hop in your car just before sunset some summer night and drive around the back roads of wherever you live...you'll probably find your own life playing back in your mind and the soundtrack resonating from the stereo.
Tender & hauntingly blue. Grabbed my heart!
author: Lady Chaachi from Power Media BrokersThis music grabs my heart.Tender & Hauntingly blue.You can hear a man's heart crying in this CD. Great instrumental & very beautiful vocal clarity. Some songs remind me of Michael Franks crossed with Elton John. Soulful. Exciting. I Hope we hear much more from this artist very soon! May God bless & empower him richly.
it's surely about time we had some real music Huh?
author: ken LawrenceI first met Kevin Reeves on the music talk mailing list on the BBS of the national federation of the blind. Knew about the release of the CD back at the beginning of the year, and now finally on May 26, 2006 have had the chance to listen to it. Kevin and I have a lot of things in how we learned about different kinds of music. While i Didn't move around a lot, I was exposed to progressive rock at a very young age. for me it was Black sabith and Led zepplin, and Mountain, and iron butterfly. but I was 10 when i heard those things. combined with the great soul stations of my Youth like WEBB and WWIN Baltimore, and WWRL,WLIB New York, and WNJR Newark NJ, and the top 40 power house WABC Yeah both Kevin and I are blind, and both of us were hit by many kinds of music. just listening to 2 songs samples from the cd "Shine," and the game, are all you need to know to see that this is real, passionate, and just as good as or maybe better then anything on rock radio, and certainly better then the plastic pop of your adverage american idol. if he went on the show he'd mop the floor with all of them and that includes the idiot judges. listen for your self and don't take my word for it.