Tone, Taste & Timing, the 3-T’s of music, became Nick Keen’s mantra as he studied his way into the exhilarating player which now has every head turning.  Identified as the 2010 Merlefest Mandolin Champion, his own unique and tasteful style reflects the various genre of music that influenced him.   Yet, his fresh, young perspective remains “clean as Irish Spring Soap.”  Nick’s melodic perfection and solid performances transcend his music to another realm, bringing the fans along with it.  He was awarded 2010 IBMA Emerging Artist with the Josh Williams Band.

From East Bend, NC, Nick was a quick study from the age of eleven.  His explosive talent quickly caught the attention of peers and fans as he played with his father in a Gospel quartet, The Rose of Sharon.   Now highly sought as a musician, he toured throughout the southeast with the popular group, Broken Wire.  His professional journey led him to join the tour of Bradley Walker, 2007 IBMA Male  Vocalist  of the Year. Sharing the stage with many bluegrass talents and working in the studio with Grammy Award winning producers/engineers have firmly established his own award-winning reputation.   Now he is primed and ready to join his superbly honed skills and admirable talents with those of Josh Williams, Randy Barnes and Jason McKendree  to round out the electrifying sound of  JWB.

Adam Steffey recently said of Nick, “I'm fortunate enough to travel all over the country and get to hear a lot of good music and meet a lot of good musicians. Every now and then you hear one that is set apart from the rest. Nick Keen is one of those musicians. He has the tone, timing, and taste that make his mandolin playing recognizable, but unique. I think that we're going to be hearing this man's playing for a long time to come. And, in my opinion that's a GREAT thing!!"  

“Hi, my name is Nick.  I like pancakes and long walks on the beach.”  So simply phrased, but this says it all.  It can’t get much better for JWB than to  welcome  this incomparable spirit  to the band.  His steadfast musical instincts and scripture-guided faith made choosing him as a band-mate a gratifying experience. Though he is an exemplary mandolinist who has devoted his life to the study of music, he is also a student of Healthcare Administration.  Nick is a valued cornerstone of the Josh Williams Band!

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