Biography
Ken Jaquess founded K² in 2001, after 8 years playing bass with progressive group Atlantis. While on a long hiatus, Ken realized a life long dream to write and produce a solo project about the Egyptian Book of the Dead. He first teamed up with drummer extraordinaire Doug Sanborn and in July of 2001 laid down the backing tracks that would become the foundation of BOTD.
Along the way, he asked guitar god Allan Holdsworth, Spocks Beard keyboardist Ryo Okumoto, vocalist Shaun Guerin and violinist Yvette Devereaux if they would add their special talents to a project that was becoming bigger than was ever planned!
“It just developed a life of its own.” Ken says, “So I decided to go for it and see what would happen if all of these great musicians could come together and play my music!”
K²’s debut CD ‘Book of the Dead’ was released in April of 05’ to worldwide acclaim and heralded as a top 10 release by many critics. Ken says, “It was a real surprise to see this release get so much positive press. People kept asking me if K² were ever going to gig or tour, so now begins the next stage for this band. I put together a new line-up to take on the road. Doug, Ryo and myself are still in the band along with guitarist Karl Johnson and vocalist Josh Gleason of The Waiting Room. “Karl and I were in Atlantis together and I was always very impressed with his playing, so I asked him if he would like to come on board. I’m very happy he said yes!” Ken said. Sadly after Shaun Guerin recorded his vocals, he passed away. His voice was quite unique and he would have wanted K² to continue so I contacted Josh to see if he would like to be the new lead vocalist”.
On January 13th 2006, K² performed their first gig in Hollywood before a packed house. This show was filmed in widescreen for a Fall 08’ DVD release. “There are more shows to follow, Ken says. This is just the tip of the iceberg!”
Instrumentation
Josh Gleason - Vocals
Ken Jaquess - Bass and Keyboards, Vocals
Karl Johnson - Guitar
Ryo Okumoto - Keyboards, Vocals
Doug Sanborn - Drums and Percussion, Vocals
Discography
K2 Black Garden (Spring '09)
K2 'Live in Hollywood' DVD
K2-Book of the Dead
Atlantis-Pray for Rain
Atlantis-Atlantis
Links
| http://www.myspace.com/k2ken |
| MySpace |
| Umbrello Records |