Born: April 27, 1962 Primary Instrument: Bass
22 Years Touring & Session Bassist/Guitarist Producer, Composer, Clinician, Published Author
His music and impeccable technique are consistently described as a “soulful, organic experience”. His musical abilities as a musician and composer ranges from Classical to Jazz, Funk to Progressive Rock and World Music. He has displayed this versatility with releases of two guitar disc “BLUE” and “My Past” and a solo bass CD titled “Short Stories”.
As a sideman and solo artist, he has worked with many great artists.
Performances Credits:
Classical, R&B, Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Blues & Rock: The Chicago Sinfonietta - Paul Freeman Director, Chi-Lites, Tower of Power, Tom Tom Washington (Arranger for Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and Phil Collins.) late George (Paco) Patterson (Music director/composer for the Isly Brothers and other R&B greats.) Lamont Boston, Valerie Wellington, R. Kelly, The Soulvitaminz, Jazz Piano Legend the late Peter Z, Leni Stern, Jazz Legend Violinist Johnny Frigo, the late great Art Porter, Members of the Miles Davis Band, Jodie Christian, Najee, Darryl Jones (Bassist for Rolling Stones), James “Jimmy Car Wash” Spinks. BeBe Winans and The Winans Family, Al Green, Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Horn, Bucky Pizzarelli, Stanley Jordan, Wynton Marsalis
Other Credits: Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Feature in Bass Player Magazine, Bass Inside.com & Global Bass.com. Listed in the Europe Jazz Network.
“Short Stories is a stupendous album! You are a fine bassist” --Warren Murchiie/ Bass Inside Magazine
Kenn Smith is a composer, bass and guitar player who's consistently described as “gifted” and “in-the-pocket” by fans and fellow musicians. His music fills the space where electric jazz meets blues, and his reputation is constantly growing through glowing reviews in publications like 'Jazz Weekly' and the 'Chicago Tribune.' Groovin', soulful blues.” ----Cynthia Kravetz, Riffage.com. 1999
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Primary Instrument:
Bass
Location:
South Holland, IL
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Guitar and Bass instructor for 27. Teaching hundreds students all styles and
techniques. Most of his students are well known recording artist and musicians.
By way of the internet has taught more than 17,000 students
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Bass clinican for 5 years.
"I went to Kenn's clinic at Guitar Center. What a great player he is! I think I
was the only non-bass player there, but it didn't matter. I learned a lot about
"being musical". I had rehearsal with my band Friday night & spent about 15
minutes sharing my new found knowledge."
"Kenn, I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for the clinic. I thought
it was a very informative. Some of my co-workers commented that you
covered more "real world things that have to do with actually being out there
playing" than any other clinician they have seen in the store, or anywhere for
that matter. Thanks again!"
---Cruzer
Mr Smith.. my name is Ryan Yurong.. i live in Virginia (a small town) and i
want you to know what inspiration you have become for me.. i started my
roots in music with traditional hardcore almost metal with NO appreciation
for ANY kind of Music other than screamo/[punk/hardcore and metal... i have
played guitar in several bands.. but recently met some friends to get me into
bluegrass-- or really NewGrass.. and soon my newest band will start to play
funk newgrass.. your music has made a difference to my jump start career in
music. and i wanted to say thank you.
musically yours, RYaN
