Jazz Articles about Keith Fiala

About Keith Fiala

Album Review

Keith Fiala: Keith Fiala: The Quest

Read "Keith Fiala: The Quest" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
October 25, 2024

The Quest from Austin-based trumpeter Keith Fiala presents twelve original tracks of varied textures, grooves and soundscapes. The album follows Fiala's well-received and charted New Beginnings (self-produced, 2024), which was released earlier this year. The Quest is deeper--more profound--and definitely an aurally stimulating “concept" presentation. “Always With Me" launches the session. A longer repetitive melody over a light hip-hop rhythm bed appears before Fiala's open horn solos. This is a laid-back track with an '80s vibe. It ...

Album Review

Keith Fiala: New Beginnings

Read "New Beginnings" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
May 7, 2024

New Beginnings from trumpeter, composer and producer Keith Fiala offers up ten varied tracks of exciting, originally-composed and superbly-performed jazz. It delivers a vibrant mix of engaging melodies and intelligent hard bop jazz improvisation with platforms both in and beyond the smooth jazz vein. The moderately-tempoed “Let Go" opens melodically with a memorable descending melodic line. Fiala spins a series of cascading ribbons from his bright horn and an energetic and neatly-mixed guitar solo from Marc Lionetti ...

Album Review

Keith Fiala: Let Go

Read "Let Go" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
June 24, 2023

"Let Go" from trumpeter/composer Keith Fiala is a track that is a near-perfect blend of groove, effects, orchestration, and solos. After a brief textural intro of cascading trumpet and a segue into a smooth jazz vibe, the tune offers an infectious easy-to-hum-along melody laid down by a doubling of horn and keys. The selection's bridge reflects back to the intro statement--a savvy arranging technique. This selection is another from Renaissance Man Fiala, who has successfully ...

Catching Up With

Keith Fiala: From Maynard to the Maestro

by Nicholas F. Mondello
June 7, 2019

Keith Fiala, trumpeter, composer, producer, author, educator/clinician, video production guru, and currently personal assistant to 10-time Grammy winner, Arturo Sandoval. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa and later Austin, Texas, Fiala who also spent time starring on Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau Band, took a few moments from his busy schedule to chat. All About Jazz: Keith, on behalf of All About Jazz, thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to talk. Keith Fiala: Thanks so ...