Kiefer

A soulful jazz keyboardist and producer, Kiefer Shackelford, aka Kiefer, has earned praise for his cross-genre, hip-hop-influenced aesthetic. Based in Los Angeles, he emerged in 2017 with his independent debut, Kickinit Alone. The album found him embracing a hip-hop and R&B vibe that eschewed samples in favor of nuanced jazz harmonies and improvisation. His sophomore effort, Happysad, appeared in 2018 and was followed by the seven-track Superbloom EP in 2019. Between Days arrived in 2021, followed by the solo It’s OK, B U two years later.
Born in 1992 in San Diego, Shackelford started playing piano around age six, and was first introduced to jazz by his father. Growing up, he took classical and jazz lessons, and by his teens was an adept soloist. Also as a teenager, he began experimenting with producing his own computer-based hip-hop and electronic beats. After high school, he honed his jazz skills studying at UCLA, where he was mentored by legendary jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell, as well as flutist James Newton and pianist Tamir Hendelman. Although jazz was his focus, it was during college that Kiefer began experimenting by mixing jazz composition and live improvisation with programmed electronic beats, creating the distinctive, cross-pollinated sound that he showcased on his debut album, Kickinit Alone. He also did work with Abe Laboriel, Gabriel Castellanos, and Rob Thorsen.
Kiefer signed with Stones Throw Records and delivered his sophomore album, 2018′s Happysad, which included the single “What a Day.” In 2019, he further expanded his sound on the Bridges and Superbloom EPs, using various analog synths and adopting an even more compositional approach to his songwriting. 2021′s Between Days, his third long-player, found him in the company of several producers including the Kount, 10.4 ROG, Lakey Inspired, and jazz trumpeter Theo Croker.
Kiefer returned with the single “August Again” during the titular month in 2023. The hazy, late-summer track featured a video visualizer by Barcelona-based artist María Medem. The 16-cut full-length, titled It’s Ok, B U, for Stones Throw, marked a return to his studio roots. It showcased Kiefer playing solo piano surrounded by a wide array of homemade beats in original compositions. ~ Matt Collar