“My hope is that music and the arts in general are supported as a way of culture that supports the human existence… Europe treats the arts as an essential form of the learning process… whereas in the US, arts funding is being cut and politicized as being non-essential. That is ludicrous.”

Dave Keyes: The King of the Keys

Dave Keyes’ new album, Two Trains (out October 24th on MoMojo) features Keyes co-writing eight of its ten songs with songwriting partner Mark Sameth, who has penned hits as a Nashville writer for Loretta Lynn, and Bettye LaVette among many others. The album features special guest and legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, plus appearances by harmonica ace Rob Paparozzi, (Blues Bros.) Mike Merritt (Jimmy Vivino, Conan O’Brien) Chris Bergson and vocalist Alexis P. Suter in addition to long- time Dave Keyes band stalwarts, drummer Frank Pagano and guitarist John Putnam. A special recording with the late acoustic guitar legend Woody Mann is an added treat. Two Trains was mixed by multi-Grammy Award-winning engineer, Dae Bennett. A native New Yorker, keyboardist, singer and songwriter, Dave Keyes is a 40-year veteran of the Blues and American Roots music scenes. His last album, the 2022 release Rhythm, Blues and Boogie, featured legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, who also appears on Two Trains.

(Dave Keyes / Photo by Joseph A. Rosen)

Having toured the world both as a solo artist and with his own band, Dave Keyes brings his music solidly back to his soulful blues roots on the new disc, along with some electrifying keyboard work. In addition to his Blues Music Award nominations, his band has won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge and released seven prior acclaimed albums.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Special Thanks: Dave Keys & Mark Pucci Media

How has music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music has opened my eyes and ears to different cultures while simultaneously helping me see the similarities that we share…. The need to dance, to tap our feet, sing, express ourselves as human, feeling beings, is a fundamental need everywhere, where ever you are… I think the moment that changed my life the most was when I first learned to improvise on a 12-bar blues. I think I was in 5th grade… something just clicked inside of me that really resonated as something I wanted to pursue further….

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook?

I am a bluesman at heart - I think the blues is the basis for all music – it’s like if you look at a tree… the roots of the tree are the blues, and everything branches off from there…My songbook is quite varied – the blues led to jazz, led to pop, and my songbook reflects all of those influences and eventual destinations.  

What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

The balance between the two is constantly shifting – my ideal as a player would be for me to have the technical ability to express emotionally everything that I feel inside… The shift for me occurs as I become more technically proficient and am able to express myself emotionally without having to think about technique…. An ongoing process…

“Staying on the path and being true to oneself is the hardest part…. And also the most rewarding… Realizing that I have my own voice and songs that are distinctly me, and not being afraid to sing that song loud and strong… that process to be able to do that has helped make me a better person.” (Dave Keyes / Photo by Laura Carbone)

Currently you’ve one release titled “Two Trains”with MoMojo Records. How did that idea come about? Do you have any stories about the making of the new album?

I’m especially proud of the collaboration with Mark on this disc. The songs are topical, both on a personal level and on a world level. There is something here that everyone can relate to: love, loss, joy and pain and how we deal with it all. For me this album is about coming home to my roots and paying tribute to all the styles that have influenced me since I was a kid. Blues, boogie, country blues, urban blues, gospel and some funky stuff. From Ray Charles to Leon Russell and everyone in between. I’m not a purist, but I respect my roots and I stand on the shoulders of those that have gotten me here.

With such an illustrious career, what has given you the most satisfaction musically?

Being able to go into a room of people in a foreign country where I may or may not even speak the language and as a solo performer be able to captivate and entertain those present and have them at the end of the show walking and singing, tapping their feet and smiling….

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past?

There are less and less “joints“ where the music was always live - it used to be there were places that had live music 7 nights a week  and the places would be packed…..

What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

My hope is that music and the arts in general are supported as a way of culture that supports the human existence… Europe treats the arts as an essential form of the learning process… whereas in the US, arts funding is being cut and politicized as being non-essential. That is ludicrous. I also feel that music is made and listened to often as a solo non-participatory event… as in people listen on earphones, alone in their rooms. When I grew up, one of the most important aspects of listening to music was the communal feeling we had of sharing and/or creating something together.

“I am a bluesman at heart - I think the blues is the basis for all music – it’s like if you look at a tree… the roots of the tree are the blues, and everything branches off from there…My songbook is quite varied – the blues led to jazz, led to pop, and my songbook reflects all of those influences and eventual destinations.” (Dave Keyes / Photo by Laura Carbone)

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better musician?

Staying on the path and being true to oneself is the hardest part…. And also the most rewarding… Realizing that I have my own voice and songs that are distinctly me, and not being afraid to sing that song loud and strong… that process to be able to do that has helped make me a better person.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Perseverence. Be prepared when your moment comes to shine and don’t shrink from it.

What keeps a musician passionate after four decades in Rock n’ Roll, Roots, Blues, Americana music? 

As we go through the joys and sorrows of life, I always say that friends and music can get you through anything. The pursuit of making better music that brings joy to others keeps me passionate….

How does your hometown (NYC) affect your music?

NYC is an amazing place. It has the best of the best - musically, culturally and it is my home. I love that!

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and bars. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

Each gig is different, yet on a fundamental level they are all the same. It is all about making that connection with the music and the audience… it doesn’t matter if it is a club, a bar, or a festival. When you are in the studio its different, but it is still about making the connection with the music… Finding that thread in the song or the melody that touches your heart and making that connection with it and making it sound good so others can feel it too.

Dave Keys - Home

(Dave Keyes / Photo by Laura Carbone)