With a wealth of professional experience in performing in all kinds of styles and situations, Ritchie Keys has a particular gift for creating renditions of songs on the piano which have vitality and feeling. He is able to make the piano sing, expressing and unlocking emotions within a piece of music. His playing will make those moments during a ceremony more poignant and rememberable. When needed he can also ‘jazz things up’ and drive the music forward to create the ideal atmosphere at a drink’s reception or party.
His introduction to music was in the improvised musical forms of jazz and blues. Having a passion for music he decided to take performance seriously and went onto train classically, completing a degree in music and a diploma with the Associated Board in piano performance.
He has developed versatility and a wide range of styles and has an extensive repertoire of material which ranges from classics such as Clair de Lune and Pachelbel’s Canon to Frank Sinatra covers, and versions of contemporary pop by artists such as Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.
Clients who have booked him to play for their wedding have often commented on his professional and approachable attitude is. Over the years he has played at numerous weddings and events, performed with many different bands. His playing has taken him all over the world including a stint at the prestigious Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy and a 6-month long stint at a five-star Intercontinental hotel in Cyprus.
Back in the UK, Ritchie Keys has performed at venues which include Symphony Hall, Hyatt Hotel, Alexander Palace (Tattoo Festival), Marks and Spencer’s outlets around the country, The Landmark Hotel (London), The Belfry Golf Club and Hotel, CBSO Centre and many others! He is a regular accompanist for music exams, students at the Birmingham School of Acting and for workshops in schools.
He is also an officially registered member of the ISM musician’s union and has public liability insurance of £10 million. He uses a top of the range Nord digital piano and speakers, and all electrical equipment is fully ‘PAT’ tested and compliant.
Performance can be tailored to requirements.
