Brian Keane

Brian Keane performs with a twinkle in his eye. Sometimes it is a twinkle of mischief as he tells the lyrical story of Odysseus, his westernized, modern tribute to the Odyssey. Other times, it is a twinkle of conviction as he strums through stories of a life worth living and time well spent – despite the inevitable scrapes and bruises that come along with it.
Originally from South Carolina, Keane’s story line is shaped from stints of time spent in New York City, Boston, and currently, Austin, Texas. At the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007, Keane toured world-wide with Patrice Pike, playing keys and electric guitar. In the past he performed as a keyboardist in the house band of NYC’s famed Cafe Wha? and worked as a multi-instrumentalist (singer, bassist, pianist, and banjoist) and writer with the NYC bluegrass band Red Rooster. As a founding member of the Band of Heathens, he swapped songs in the group whose sound is often summed up by the words “rock and roll stew”.
Keane plays well with others, but is not afraid to sit alone in the spotlight – and he is not afraid to entertain an audience. “I just want the audience to have fun”, says Keane. “I keep eye contact with as many people as I can. I want to see how people react when they hear a song.” Keane is aware of how the words of his songs can penetrate the hearts of listeners and bring to mind memories that may include hard times. Still, he hopes some, including himself, can find some resolution in relating to experiences and observations turned to lyric. And, when he senses things are getting a little heavy, that’s when he pulls out one of his many songs that beg to be sung with a sly grin. “I like to mix it up so people don’t take themselves too seriously. So I don’t take myself too seriously.”
Keane’s debut album, I Ain’t Even Lonely, released in 2005 to both critical acclaim and commercial success. "I Ain't Even Lonely sounds as if Keane played it in his head for years before finally laying it down. There's just such an easy grace at work here. May Mr. Keane make many more..." stated Michael Corcoran of XLent Magazine.
In March, Keane’s fans will get a preview of his sophomore effort, with the release of the single “Forbidden”, a semi-autobiographical tale of a romance that tests the boundaries of a personal faith. A full-length album is scheduled to follow in the fall of 2007.