Kiefer in Toronto

Kiefer is the stage name of Kiefer Shackelford, an American pianist, producer and beatmaker raised in San Diego and based in Los Angeles. He plays instrumental jazz shaped by hip-hop beats and electronic production. His catalog includes the debut album Kickinit Alone and the Stones Throw releases Happysad, When There’s Love Around and It’s Ok, B U. In 2018, Kiefer performed material from Happysad at NPR’s Tiny Desk in a compact piano, bass and drums lineup. He used the trio setting to turn beat-built tracks into ensemble arrangements that left space for improvisation during the Washington, D.C. session.