Music Style Country, Easy Listening

Musical Influences Billy Joel, Elton John, Dan Fogelberg, Colin Raye, Chris DeBurg

Similar Artists Colin Raye, Chris DeBurg, John Denver,

Artist History To know Keith Thompson, all you have to do is listen to his lyrics. The people he loves, the places he visits, the dreams he reaches for, the pain he feels…it’s all in the songs. In high school, his acoustic guitar became a means of attracting girls…and it worked.Today, his songs are a means of attracting ears of all kinds...and it’s working.In the past, Keith played bars with musicians from across Ontario entering contests that started to give Keith his right as a true songwriter. In 1995 CKGL Radio’s final country contest saw Keith and his band clean up winning best band and best song. In ’97, they took top honours at the Cambridge Fair once again hitting the stage with a fully original set. In 1998, Keith and his band, Athen Rye, opened for the Matthew Good Band and Wide Mouth Mason at the Oakville Waterfront Festival. Keith’s original songs had people asking was he Country? Rock? Folk? The answer to that question is still to be settled as the music is good…and that’s what counts.In 1999, Keith’s path saw him performing...this time on his own. Opening for MacKeel offered Keith the opportunity to play his music…the Irish balladeer was on top of his game. With a new CD in the writing, it was time to hear the audience’s response.Besides writing for himself, Keith has shared his talents with several worthy causes:The Link Foundation - Created a song "Common Ground" for an across-Canada cycling tour for the physically disabledThe Canadian Red Cross, Bosnia Herzegovina - Assembled a Benefit Concert for the war-torn countryThe Children’s Wish Foundation - Currently completing a song for the foundation entitled "Love can Save", performed earlier this summer at the Backroads Country Jamboree. Keep listening for more details. "If Love Could", due to be released in 2001, is the first solo work of Keith Thompson. This is a collection of songs from the heart that effortlessly crosses-over from country to easy listening. Paring down the list of 25 songs to the favourite 12, will be up to the reaction each song receives when performed. "It’s like choosing which of my children I like the best. I’m relying on a number of people to help make this album even more special that it already is, by choosing their favourites" says Thompson.Over the next few months, Keith will be in the studio and playing live, taking his songs to the people. Of course, when the weather’s good, you may just find ‘cuppy’ diving into deep waters!!

Group Members Brian Jennings, Chadwin, Gary Fedy, Tim Turrett, Sue Hertendy, Sheila Shaw

Instruments Guitar, Piano, Flute, Bagpipes, mandolin, drums, bass

Albums If Love Could

Press Reviews Opened for Lisa Brokop in Oakville (Feb/01), Backroads Country Jamboree, OCPFA Showcase. April/2001 - Featured Artist on the Rise on ThatsCountry.com

Location Guelph, ON - Canada

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