Keith Miller (U.S.)- "Groove Train" and "Chalk" (2003/2004 self)
From the cold plains of Minnesota, the possibility of an immediate thaw is
imminent once any of these discs are played. The molten strings that lay on the
glacial frontier are owned by this axesmith, Keith Miller. One of those
unheard ofs, Keith Miller, like many guitarists, started at an early age and was
self-taught before placing themself in a school for more advanced knowledge of
the craft. Keith did that before entering Musictech College in Minneapolis to
hone his skills even more. He also has the similairity of playing in
childhood/teenage year bands and had some success with a band called Plex'd which he
still is part of today.

"Groove Train", the 2003 debut has a nice heavy flavor to it with licks from
the blackest depths of hell without relying on the monotonous finger-diarrhea
that many of these guitarists do on their very first album like they have to
prove something. Fans of "Satch", Gary Hoey, SRV and Torben Enevoldsen will
definately understand the wizardry of Keith Miller. He may not be a huge name but
he's not a clone either;just has influences like everyone else. Recommended
songs off this CD (despite I would say all of them!!) woud be: "Groove Train",
"Thump-N-Groove", "King", "Grab It" and "Engine #9". 9 tracks and a bit over
38 minutes.

"Chalk" is the brand-new release and it's pretty much the same thing here if
you like your instrumenal stuff a bit more progressive and edgier. There's one
vocal song on here called "Crazy" and it's pretty good and is somewhat along
the lines of what Kotzen does nowadays. The heaviest song off either album is
on this one by the name of "Inner Turbulance" which is very uptempo and then
you get tracks like "Chalk", "Saphire Pools" (sapphire dude! and turbulence;
sorry I'm anal about spelling!!), "Grid Lock" and "Clock Talk" with the heavy
progressive delivery; plus it helps with tonality to have a 7-stringer!!! "Flip
The Switch" was interesting as the main riff took me back to the 80's when
riffing was studied and was a thing of one-upmanship by many bands. "Rubber Room"
has some neat effects in it while "Noodlin'" is just what it is and is a
one-take track of just messin' around in rehearsal. Two albums and not a bad song
off either one of them...now that's impressive!! So do yourself a favor and
check this guy out, you won't be disappointed.
By: Wayne Klinger  © Quintessence

Chalk is the melodically shredded metal and rock CD from Keith Miller, which
follows on the path laid out by his previous CD, "Groove Train". The nimble
fingered guitarist seldom indulges to excess, but manages to offer plenty of
thrills and chills on the ten instrumental cuts (plus one vocal track). Miller is
a graduate from Musictech College of Music in Minneapolis, and is a member of
PLEX’D a band that has received rave reviews in national magazines, as well
as some label interest. If you enjoy chops-happy excursions, turn-n-burn
fretting, fast electric guitar lines and slamming rhythms and smoldering riffs, look
no further than Chalk - a gem of raw power. Instrumental Guitar (Electric
(Heavy)/Heavy Metal/Hard Rock), total running time, 40:31
© Guitar Nine Records

Keith Miller - Review of "Chalk" by Bob Nalbandian of Shock Waves Magazine
Underground guitar-great Keith Miller recently released his second instrumental solo record Chalk. Much like it's predecessor Groove Train (2003), and his previous band Plex'd, Keith Miller continues with his trademark style intricate guitar-blazing groove-metal with Chalk. Combining several classic metal guitar influences from Michael Schenker to Marty Friedman (with a sound somewhat similar to Marty's early solo work on Dragon's Kiss) Keith Miller jams very tasteful guitar licks atop intricate King's X meets Metallica-type grooves. Keith has a great sense for timing and rhythm and knows not to over-indulge giving the music a chance to breathe before laying down his next soulful guitar lick. Songs such as the title track, "Grid Lock," "Inner Turbulence," and "Rubber Room" prove that Keith Miller has what it takes to contend with today's guitar greats.

Author: moyesREM Date: 2004-06-16
"I bought this several weeks ago now, but still play it almost every day. I really like the heavy guitar tones, Thump-N-Groove, King, Groove Train, Dazed For Dayz and even the more mellow but superb imagic, its a bargin too only $10, highly recommended"
Gold Medal Reviewer - moyesREM Rating: 9

Chunky pounding heavy riffage and masterful self-confident lead playing
Reviewer: Fret Net Radio
I love this CD! Chunky pounding heavy riffage and masterful self-confident
lead playing... It actually is groovy. I played Groove Train on my radio show
last week, next time I'll probably play Thump-N-Groove. Please note that the
only reason I give it four stars instead of five is that Keith's upcoming CD,
"CHALK", is going to be better, so I have to reserve an extra star for that!

Amazing find, not on a major label?????
Reviewer: Under200
This cd was a total diamond in the rough. You like Satch and Via? Well this
is all that and more. Very well written also. The songs keep your interest from
the first to last. No filler songs, they are all great. Can't wait till the
next cd.

Awesome CD!!!
Reviewer: Terry
This CD is really quite amazing. Great grooves like others have mentioned,
but it's the overall musical quality of each song that really got me. I have
always loved instrumental CD's like from Vai, and Satch, but usually would be
bored with them after a short while. That is not the case with this CD. Each song
is extremely musical and well thought out. I'm looking forward to Keith's
next CD...hopefully in the not too distant future. Great CD...the best CD I've
bought in quite a while...

Groove At Its Best!!
Reviewer: James Sealy
Keith Miller has crafted a great release with Groove Train! The grooves are
so deep on this disc! I am really into his musicianship. Standout tracks are
Thump-N-Groove and Yellow Pedal but the entire CD really rocks! You owe it to
yourself to purchase this disc if you like tight grooves and awesome solos! So
what are you waiting for?!

Great CD. Solid grooves and great production!!!
Reviewer: Dan Shea
There are some great grooves on this disc. Also, the songs show good variety.
The production is very good. Sounds very professional. This is a good CD even
if you are not a fan of instrumental music. Lyrical melodies and catchy
riffs. Buy this CD!!

"These three young men are obviously accomplished musicians who know how to rock. This six-song CD is packed with lots of big heavy riffs simular to Collective Soul and strong gritty vocals supported beautifully with just the right harmonies and occasional growls. Good solo work, too. This is straight-ahead rock n' roll played heavy with a modern twist, a must have for any true rock fan that likes to bob his head and play air guitar to bands like Galactic Cowboys, Collective Soul, and maybe even a little Metallica. Hear for yourself on this issue's Hard Music Sampler" Jan/Feb 2000 issue of HM Magazine.

"Keith Miller is an incredibly talented guitarist/vocalist/songwriter. His intricate fretwork and unique chord progressions truly standout. Keith Miller and his band PLEX'D are definitely a band to watch out for!" Bob Nalbandian Shockwaves Magazine/HardRadio