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Keith Fiala
Keith Fiala is one of the most exciting, innovative and versatile trumpet players and educators/clinicians on the music scene today. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Fiala moved to Austin, Texas in 1988 to study with Raymond Crisara at the University of Texas and lived in Austin until 2017 when he was asked to assist Arturo Sandoval on his tours as his road manager, become his practice partner and have the chance to start building a solo career under the guidance of one of the greatest trumpet players / musicians that has ever lived! A First Call trumpeter while living in Austin and throughout the Lone Star State, Keith was also a founding member of and performer with the celebrated R&B group , Memphis Train Revue for over 22 years and has toured the world performing with his mentor, the legendary Maynard Ferguson. A dedicated educator and clinician, Fiala taught at the prestigious Austin School of Music and held the position of Adjunct Trumpet Professor at Temple College, where he also performed as Lead Trumpet in the Temple Jazz Orchestra and featured soloist for the Temple Fusion group for over 10 years. He is the author of the celebrated trumpet diagnostic methodology, “About Face.” Fiala has also shared stage with jazz greats Arturo Sandoval, Gordon Goodwin, Randy Brecker, The Temptations, Brian Lynch, Allen Vizzutti, Bill Watrous and many others. Fiala is an Austin Winds endorsed trumpet artist.
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Keith Fiala: Keith Fiala: The Quest

by Nicholas F. Mondello
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 ...
Continue ReadingKeith Fiala: New Beginnings

by Nicholas F. Mondello
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 ...
Continue ReadingKeith Fiala: Let Go

by Nicholas F. Mondello
"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 ...
Continue ReadingKeith Fiala: From Maynard to the Maestro

by Nicholas F. Mondello
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 ...
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But Beautiful
From: Messages from the Other SideBy Keith Fiala