AURA Artist in Profile: Keith Stone 

Born in Bridgend, Wales in 1960

5str Fretted and Fretless Basses

Singer, Songwriter, Bass Clinician, Teacher.
                            
Originally a guitarist, Keith shifted to the Bass when he bought
his first Fretless at age 21.

Keith is well known throughout the music industry not just as
a performer, but, as a specialist in Bass and Guitar techniques
having been in great demand as a teacher for the last
fourteen years. 

Over the years Keith has earnt sponsorships and endorsements from many leading manufacturers and retailers including The Electric Factory, Pro Audio, Steinberger, Tune, Gallien Krueger etc.  Presenting Clinics with Bret Garsed (John Farnham Band) and other notable musicians around Australia.  Keith was also a music consultant for Helmet’s Music, Allan’s and Soundworks in the 80’s and no doubt had technically advised every major band then touring through Melbourne.

As a performer Keith has appeared on many television shows including Countdown, Hey Hey Its Saturday, Young Talent Time, the Channel 9 Band as well as many radio shows including  MMM, PBS, JJJ, MDR, and Ch 31, both as a soloist and also backing singers and various bands.

In the mid 80’s Keith formed ‘the Banned’ a progressive jazz/rock/fusion ensemble which included Darryn Farrugia on drums. Releasing a CD covering a selection of live performances from 1986 to 1989.

In  July 1988 Keith appeared in the  ‘American Guitar Magazine’ spotlighting new and upcoming world class talent receiving rave reviews for his Demo CD.
To quote: “Keith demonstrates outstanding Fretless chops, hot solos, and his ability to lay a down a serious groove. He’s fresh and inventive, making clever use of his instruments”.
- talent scout, producer, Mike Varney, Shrapnel Records. USA.

During the nineties Keith was involved in several cover and tribute bands, all the while working on the new material for his first ’Stone’ album.

Keith has received several letters now from the world renowned guitarist Steve Vai, praising the sound and grooves on his albums, ‘Stone - the Creature From Outer Bass’, ‘I Play With Myself’ and the 2nd collaboration CD with Mykl Lozin, ’Kartouche’.

In December 2000 Keith released his third solo CD ‘I Play With Myself’ to a full house of eager fans and he still continues to astound musicians and audiences alike with his brilliant live performances.  Keith has often been called the Tommy Emmanuel on Bass, as both are totally captivating master technicians on their preferred instruments.