"Nightfall" Takes On New Meaning in Norcross

by Jennifer Scales, Feature Writer

     Keith Phillips is a rising star, however, like most rising stars this star has been twinkling for over twenty years.  Keith Phillips was born in Canton, GA. growing up in a house full of music.  "Grandma studied piano in college, an Uncle who played in big bands in Atlanta, and Mom who sang with an opera style in church."  It comes as no surpirse that Mr. Phillips took to the keyboards instantly, as a child "banging out" Chopin, Bach, and Debussy was child's play.  The high school years were a little more upbeat as Phillips joined the Jazz Band at Cedar Shoals High School.  Mr Phillips spent his time wisely at the University of Georgia in Athens; one would assume his ambition was to obtain a degree in music composing and performing, but the sensible Phillips left the Bulldogs with a degree in Accounting.

     Twenty years later, as a resident of Norcross, Phillips is giving back and sharing his musical talents with his audiences from California to South Carolina.  An evening spent with Phillips means your soul will soar with his toe tapping Irish dance and just as quickly your soul will be soothed by the calming arias sounding a little reminiscent of George Winston.

     Being a participant in one of Keith Phillips' audiences is closer than you think, but first you really need to hear his message.  Music is an outreach for Phillips; a method for touchng others.  Phillips says, "I have learned that God can heal us in physical ways, both through prayer and miracles.  I like to think music is an extension of God's ability to do this."  Friends and family have been a wonderful support for Phillips.  One songs he recently wrote is entitled, "Family" and it seeks to describe that strong feeling of love and security that can occur in a family setting, and finding strength of self in that environment.

     Nightfall was the first CD produced by Mr. Phillips.  "Nightfall was designed to be a relaxing music for a stressed world.  Music can heal us emotionally and that is part of what I wanted to share in creating the CD."  Phillips' new CD Daydreams is set for a release date of 2004.  The difference between the two, "Nightfall was a collection of improvisations, the new CD will be a collection of crafted ballads with a more defined structure to them.  This lends more unity to each song.  I will also design more consistency ascross the album, perhaps with less of an eclectic fell this time."

     Keith Phillips wil be performing on October 17, 2003 at the Roswell Culture Arts Center.  Other performers joining Phillips on stage will be Linda Thompson, vocals, and Kelly Warburton, dance.  Tickets can be purchased at the box office by calling 770-641-1260.  Or at area locations listed at Keith's web site, www.keithphillips.net.  It should be noted, the proceeds of this concert will benefit The Cobb County Music Teacher Association, the association will in turn award seniors in high school with scholarships funds if they are planning on majoring in music, at the school of their choice.

     If you are unable to attend the concert, you may purchase the "Nightfall" CD across the country, but locally, the uplifting sounds can be found at West Chiropractic (Peachtree Pkwy), Labaire Pottery, Norcross Station Cafe, Colorstones Jewelry in Peachtree Corners, Mary's Religious Gifts, Taylor Made Gifts and Baskets in Lilburn, Artful Living at Discover Mills, Deck the Walls at Gwinnett Mall, Shenanigan's S! Too Spa across from the Mall of Georiga, Chateau Elan hotel and gift shop, and www.keithphillips.net.

     As impressive as this is, I asked Mr. Phillips where he wanted this journye to end, his answer, "I just want to be a quality musician and do what other musicians do, strive to be better at their chosen disclipline.  And I want generally to share my music with others."

     Music speaks to all of us, I think we are all blessed to have such wonderful musicians as Keith Phillilps who followed their dream and give us all the ability to "Daydream" so beautifully.  If you are in a quandary as to what ti give that someone special in your life in the upcoming gift-giving season, I'm thinking a "Daydreams" or a "Nightfall" would be the most heart filled gift of all.