110° and Rising - Kevin Toney:
Showcased on Edition 393 - January 22nd, 2006
Critics generally agree, Kevin Toney rightly belongs among the elite in the smooth jazz genre. Described by Jonathan Widran as "the master of elegant funk", Toney was born & raised in Detroit and got his start working with Donald Byrd back in the early 70s. Byrd was an instructor at Howard University where Toney attended; the two connected and Kevin took part in Byrd's 1972 release.

KT then went on to enjoy a stint with The Blackbyrds, a jazz-funk unit created by Byrd that was composed of some the students that he taught. During his tenure with the band, Toney took part in seven projects including three gold albums, which he co-produced; he also had a hand in several of their hits, including Walking in Rhythm, their #1smash ... read more .

Hey Young World - Albright & Toney: Featured selection on
The Quarterly Review Edition 378 - October 2nd, 2005
LA native, Gerald Albright first made a name for himself in the 80s as a session player. Meanwhile keyboardist Kevin Toney's career goes back to the 70s when he appeared with Donald Byrd as a member of the group Blackbyrds. Over the years, each has developed into a highly versatile performer well versed at playing just about any style. Each has established a successful solo career that places him in a select circle among the elite of the smooth jazz genre. We now see the teaming of these two veteran performers on Hey Young World from the compilation Def Jazz.

Record producer, Tony Joseph is the man behind the Def Jazz project. A former DJ both on LA radio and on the club scene ... more.

It's You and Only You - Kevin Toney:
Featured on Fresh Trax Edition 373 - August 28th, 2005
A Detroit native, Kevin Toney's career stretches back to the early 70s when he worked with Donald Byrd. He recorded 7 albums as a member of the Blackbyrds, while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Composition and Jazz Studies. Although he released his first solo record way back in 1982, Kevin's career didn't really take off until 1994 when his sophomore effort was issued. Subsequent projects have continued to impress as Toney combines elements of traditional jazz with brilliant melodies and contemporary production. His latest release certainly is no exception to the rule, as it continues to build on Kevin's impressive catalogue of work. go to feature.