Piano virtuoso & composer Kevin Brightman is a
musician on a mission: to create music that invokes
the best of the golden age of 70’s R&B spirituality
and harmonic grace, combined with contemporary beat
science and his own artistic vision and influences.
A master student of intensive private studies with
legendary jazz icons Walter Bishop Jr. & Jaki Byard, he
has wedded those seminal experiences to his classical
training under Oland Gaston & his life long interest
in popular music forms to forge a unique approach to
Inspirational music. Brightman’s music has the
sophisticated intricacy and timeless melodies of prime
Stevie Wonder, Isley Brothers, Earth Wind & Fire, and
a heart-felt message that comes through in the lyrics
of his collaborator Derek Gibbs.
Brightman began his performing career when he appeared at the United
Nations at the age of 12 and he has gone on to present his music at Birdland, Cami Hall, The Brooklyn Museum, The Museum of Natural History. The
Guggenheim Museum, Abyssinian Baptist Church, as well
as many other significant churches all over the U.S.
Currently, Brightman & Gibbs are completing All Is
Well - a CD of their songs performed by their group, Forever Forward, to be released in early 2008 on the One Change label. The group includes standout singers Tisha Hunter (Petite, Ex-Girlfriend & J.T. Taylor), Fela James (Lil Kim, Ronny Jordan, Cassandra Wilson, and Max Roach) and Nia Middleton (NuPhamleeSoul). Brightman is also working on a solo piano album entitled The Presence Within - also to be released in the coming year.
