American musician John Paul Keith headlines an Alicante show as part of his European excursion
American singer, songwriter and guitarist John Paul Keith is set for a Friday night performance in Alicante at 9:00. The event is part of the Rhythm of the City Tour and is presented by the local organizer Saint Eleanor, bringing a Memphis-rooted voice to the Spanish stage.
The Memphis, Tennessee native has long crafted a multi-faceted career. He has released four solo albums that have earned critical praise, including Heart Shaped Shadow, released in 2018. This set was produced by Will Sexton, a respected guitarist based in Austin, Texas, and issued under Last Chance Records. Keith also collaborated on Motel Mirrors, a joint project bringing together he, Sexton, and singer-bassist Amy LaVere. Both the solo album and Motel Mirrors arrived in March of 2018, marking a notable moment in his discography.
Heart Shaped Shadow showcases a bold approach that combines ferocity with refined technique. The music carries a Memphis-inspired brass presence on certain tracks, yet it maintains a classic songwriter’s sensibility paired with intricate guitar work that could rival any seasoned gunslinger of the genre.
The record quickly found traction on the American Music Association album charts, climbing to a peak position in mid-year. In addition to his own projects, Keith contributed to notable collaborations, including a tribute collection honoring Sun Records and Memphis’s storied musical legacy. Proceeds from this project supported charitable aims tied to the community and the city’s musical heritage.
Keith has crossed paths with legendary figures in the blues and rock scenes. He shared the stage with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top during a Memphis Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring Roy Orbison in 2017. That same year, he contributed a track to Don Bryant’s Fat Possum Records release, a collaboration that helped spotlight Keith’s versatility. The year also saw songs from his circle receiving nominations for major awards in the blues sphere, underscoring his standing within the genre and his ongoing influence among peers.
Beyond the stage and studio, Keith’s work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling through guitar-centric rock and roots music. His evolution as an artist is marked by a willingness to blend Memphis’s horn-driven sensibility with the tight, narrative-driven approach of classic songcraft. For fans attending the Alicante concert, the performance promises the kind of intimate musical connection that has characterized Keith’s live shows—an effort that translates studio grit into a compelling, live experience. The Friday night set is expected to feature selections from Heart Shaped Shadow, along with favorites from his broader catalog and snapshots from Motel Mirrors, delivering a cohesive portrait of a musician who thrives on collaboration, tradition, and evolution. [Citation: Memphis music scene journals, 2017-2018]