Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill McKay.
Bill, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started playing piano at the age of six. I began singing around the same time, with my first professional gig as a boy soprano in the church choir. I played in bars and clubs with bands from the age of 13 in New York (where I grew up) and travelled to Europe with my High School choir. Moving to Colorado in 1987 to go to Colorado College, I played in a band called the Circle. After graduating with a political science degree, I moved to Boulder, joining Band du Jour. This 6-piece rock, soul, funk band toured the country for 5 years, as well as a DOD trip to South Korea and Japan. Our CD “Feel the Sun” was recorded live at the Fox Theater in Boulder in 1992. In 1995 I went to Atlanta, joining the Derek Trucks Band on a referral from Col. Bruce Hampton and Jimmy Herring. I toured incessantly with Derek for 5 years and recorded on 3 albums. Returning to Colorado in 2000, I joined my old friends Leftover Salmon, touring and recording with them for the next eleven years. In 2013 I joined Coral Creek, touring and recording on 2 albums. Throughout all this time, I have performed solo piano shows, and with my brother John McKay- recording on three of his albums. I have two solo releases-a self-titled rock and blues album and “Old Neighborhood”, a solo piano album. Other projects in the last few years include Brother’s Keeper, Steely Dead, The Other Brothers, Johnny and the Mongrels, True Blue Band, an ongoing Bill McKay Band, and Chill- a project with Channing Lynn on clarinet, sax, and banjo. I am currently the house piano player and musical director at El Rancho Brewing Company near Evergreen, Colorado, and am an on-call studio musician, with dozens of albums for many musicians to my credit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, the road is never smooth! But the lessons and rewards are endless. Being a touring musician has led me through financial and emotional struggles, failed relationships, all the quintessential cliches of rock and roll. I struggled mightily with drugs and alcohol, and have been sober for 10 years now, something I’m very proud of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have dedicated my life to playing piano, organ, keyboards, and singing. I am a songwriter- having written instrumental piano boogie pieces, rock tunes, funk, blues, and stories that are deeply emotional. I pride myself on being able to write for a group or project I’m involved with. I was a unique keyboardist in the world of bluegrass, writing and performing with speed and respect for the genre. I can easily adapt and fit in with most styles of music and am respected for having good ears and being able to jump into any musical situation with solid creative contributions.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m an avid reader, Biographies, History, Sci-Fi, Novels. I am a poet. I am a student of spirituality, always searching for insight into the human condition and our place and purpose in the universe. I am a father of two amazing children.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.billmckaymusic.com
