Featured Artist 004: Keith Miller

In a sea of guitarists and instrumentalists there is something quite special about a guitarist that can stop you in your tracks. Keith Miller is known around his town of Summerville, SC for making his Taylor guitar sing... and all without lyrics. Seeming to specialize in Acoustic Fingerstyle guitar, Keith is able to emulate popular songs as well as songs of faith in our Father through an emotional array of heart-felt voicings and rhythms. Keith can be found performing often at Palmetto Flats in Summerville, SC and often updates his YouTube and Facebook accounts with beautiful videos of his playing. Without a shred of hesitation anyone who has heard music played by Keith Miller would suggest catching one of his performances.

A perfect Summerville, SC experience: A cup of tea, the holiday lights of towne square, a dish of warm southern cuisine, and air filled with the songs of Keith Miller.

I have heard, twice, songbirds sing along with Keith's playing. In the wild, unplanned. True story.

Wings Weekly asked Keith seven questions:

1. Why Music? KM: Music is one of the purest forms of communication that exists. It transcends nearly every barrier, and reflects the soul of the musician in such a direct and complete way. Music is one of God's languages, and it is a gift to us.

2. What is Profit? KM: Profit is simply a reward that is greater in value than one's initial investment. We think of it in monetary terms mostly, but it is not limited to business transactions. Whenever you receive something that makes you feel like your effort is worthwhile, it could be said that you have earned a profit.

3. Which do you prefer? Birds or lizards, and why? KM: I'll be predictable and say birds. Lizards are always welcome in my yard, but I do not provide them with food and water like I do for the birds. In short, I absolutely love birds, and consider them a gift.

4. Live or prerecorded music, and why? KM: They both have a value of their own. I do not have to watch a painter paint, or a writer compose, to love and treasure their work, but it is quite enlightening and entertaining when I do get the chance to be in the presence of an artist while they're making their art.

5. Do you prefer breakfast, lunch or dinner? KM: Breakfast for dinner...always a winner.

6. What stops you in your tracks (musically)? KM: Acoustic stringed instruments always get me. When I was a child, I would drop everything at the strum of a guitar. I get that same feeling whenever I hear my son, Nathan, play a few notes on his ukulele.

7. If every ear would hear your song: about what would you sing? KM: One of my favorite hymns is "Be Thou My Vision." The lyrics are poetic and meaningful.

Be Thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best thought by day or by night Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

"The words remind me that my gift of music is not given to bring glory to me, but to glorify my Maker...the Giver of the gift. God didn't have to make the song of the nightingale so beautiful, but I'm thinking He did so because it was pleasant to His ears. Like my definition of profit above, I think the sound is God's reward for the effort He put forth in creation. He has gifted me with my portion of ability with the hopes and intention that, like the nightingale, I too will humbly and beautifully bring beauty to His ears. This song reminds me that such an honor should be my chief ambition and He, my vision. "

Wings Weekly thanks Keith Miller for his support, participation and for his being a cornerstone in the Summerville, SC musical community.

You are an inspiration in music and in quality and character.

Check Keith Miller out on YouTube. Make a playlist. Sit. Relax. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPd4TJJ9QzoXzRxViaamHw