killiam shakespeare
We love surprises over here at Ropeadope, and this one just hits the spot. Steve Mckie and Corey Bernhard are the minds behind Killiam Shakespeare, and they embody the spirit of constant creativity as they make music ALL the time in their home spot of Pine Studios in Philly. Killiam Season 1 is what happens when you take a mixtape over to Jazzy Jeff's house - spontaneous collaborative creation that transcends. Corey refelects on the visit: “Working with Jeff is like being next to a wizard…someone who connects with music on a deep level is rare and nothing to be taken for granted...”. We agree, and so at a moment's notice we introduce KILLIAM SEASON 1 - THE MIXTAPE SERIES - featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff, Freeway, Aaaron Camper and more,
release date: july 29, 2016
December 2015 marks the release of the new KILLIAM SHAKESPEARE self titled debut album, and it's a solid banger. Corey Bernhard and Steve Mckie shake everything up with special guests Chris Turner, Ebony Joi, Jennah Bell, Dai Miyazaki, Adam Blackstone and more. Featured last week on Glles Peterson's program on the BBC, this record has all the feel of master craftsmen exploring the outer limits with abandon. The grooves will soon be legendary, so add this one to your collection today.
release date: december 18, 2015
About killiam shakespeare
Some say you can judge a man by the company he keeps, but when it comes to Corey Bernhard you can judge the man by the company that keeps HIM. Corey has recorded with Bilal, Vivian Green, and Donald Harrison Jr. - and toured with Talib Kweli, Snarky Puppy, Bilal, Pusha T, and Marsha Ambrosius. He has performed on every continent, always on tap when an artist needs a man on the keys with a full understanding of the soul of music.
Corey Bernhard started as an economics major at Harvard; In his own words he attended because he ‘had the opportunity to do so’. While earning his degree he spent much of his time atWally’s Jazz Cafe, soaking up the sounds of the major players, and started under the tutelage of Sue Liu-Wen in Worcester MA. Yet the fact that Corey is a Harvard grad comes into play, as he cites intellectuals like Cornel West, Howard Zinn, Malcolm X, and Dave Chappelle as influences. This unique background informs his approach to music: ‘I believe that music is a gift to be used to liberate the oppressed peoples of the world. It is a gift to be used to create social change, and a lot of people are abusing that gift right now. We definitely need to change that.’
Fast forward to 2015 and we find Corey in the heart of West Philadelphia. Between the 18th century row homes we duck into a parking garage to a dark side room. The heavy door is padlocked, and inside is the makeshift studio where Corey and Steve McKie are poring over tracks - some as producers, but most the core project: Killiam Shakespeare. Corey Bernhard and Steve McKie come across as quite similar and yet unique; quiet, gentle, and unassuming, deep in their worlds of vibration and creation. In strong contrast to the personalities of today’s stars, these two are IN IT, using music as their main form of communication. Occasionally broad smiles reveal their gentle nature, and you get the sense that enlightenment is there, like two modern day musical monks.
Steve Mckie honed his skills in the house band at the infamous Black Lily in Philadelphia. An extraordinary drummer that has worked with Jill Scott, Bilal, James Poyser, Common, Robert Glasper and many more. His transition to producer is in full effect, as evidenced on recent releases from Bilal and Jill Scott, and now the self titled Killiam Shakespeare record signals a new era. You can feel his hand, visible and invisible, throughout the record.
The debut record from Killiam Shakespeare brings Corey Bernhard’s influences to the forefront; a path from Bach and Debussy to Charlie Parker and Bill Evans, to Herbie and Jimi, to J Dilla and A Tribe Called Quest. It’s ALL there in the mix as Corey and Steve are joined by band members Anthony DeCarlo (guitar), Andre Pinckney (bass), and Aaron Draper (percussion), with guests Chris Turner, Jennah Bell, Ebony Joi, Louis Fouche, Wayne Moore, Dwayne Wright, Noel Scales, Dayne Jordan, Dai Miyazaki, Pablo Batista, and Adam Blackstone.