Oracle 20/20 magazine
by Dan Liss
February 2003

Nightfall is a beautiful solo piano album by local musician Keith Phillips.  The music is reflective, but feels more like a soundtrack for a lively social evening than an album of nocturnes, those soothing little compositions that you could fall asleep to.  Although I don't mean to imply that you couldn't just enjoy this as background while you work or relax, because it certainly lends itself to that.  The overall tone feels celebratory, with melodic lines that rise to crystalline heights.  Keith's compositions are interesting because they take unexpected turns, which keeps the listener alert and attentive.  For example, a cut called "Peaceful Rest" might suggest something very sedate, but it's not, it's more like the sound of a steady patter of rain  on the roof.  "Love Smiles" conveys  a very big smile, rather than a small subtle one.  "Prayer" sounds plaintive at times, yet it has passages that convey the feeling of a person standing tall rather than contrite.  "Courage" just sort of rolls along rather than assuming a martial gate, which is often how it is, isn't it?  "Early Morning" is duly restrained. "Water" carries the feeling and "Grace" feels like a reprieve.  These and more are obviously open to interpretation, and I found the unpredictable nature of the the music to be enlivening.