Kenn Smith
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Kenn Smith

| INDIE | AFM

| INDIE | AFM
Band Jazz Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Kenn Smith lays down some very cool jazz guitar music."

Kenn Smith's playing style is reminiscent of Santana but with a gentle touch and great depth of feeling for the intrinsic mood of the piece being played.

These creative jazz vibes are delivered without musical clutter and are a good showcase for his musicianship. We think Kenn plays very cool jazz guitar music, which is sensitive and sensual and very entertaining to listen to.


Mary Martin & Pete West,

Making Waves and the Jazz on Sunday shows,

- Community Radio 2XX-98.3fm


"Contemporary Jazz Featured Artist,"

"Cnet Download.Com Contemporary Jazz Featured Artist, Illinois-based axeman Kenn Smith, who has played with the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Stanley Jordan, summons an effortlessly cool sound from both bass and guitar. His agile, arcing riffs suggest influences ranging from Scofield to Santana, and his jazz- fusion stylings are as soulful as they are slick."
--Download.com Editor's Review

- Cnet Download.Com


"Short Stories CD"

"Short Stories is a stupendous album! You are a fine bassist"
--Warren Murchiie/
- Bass Inside Magazine


"Wonderful!!"

"A wonderful, talented bassist and performer with a true gift".
--Leni Stern

- Leni Stern


"Gifted" and "in-the-pocket!"

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,. 1999
- Riffage.com


"Worth the wait.""

"This popular session guitarist creams his blues licks with dollops of funk.
He takes his time soloing but it's worth the wait."
Lycos Music, 2000


- Lycos Music


"BLOWN AWAY!"

"Of all the bassists that stopped by the booth, I was most BLOWN AWAY! by your skill!
You seemed like such a great person as well. Thank you for spending some time and checking out our basses!!"
---Scott Surine of Surine Basses

- Scott Surine of Surine Basses


Discography

Releases as a Guitarist:
BLUE (1997)
TWO (2002)
Past (2007)

Releases as a Bassist:
Short Stories (2003) is available online at CD Baby.com, Tower Records. CD is also available for download at ITunes, Comcast Rhapsody and many other online music sites.

Free downloads and streaming of Kenn's music is available at the following sites.

http://music.download.com/kennsmith.
http://www.myspace.com/kennsmith

Photos

Bio

Solo Performer
Professional Touring & Session Bassist, Guitarist
Producer, Composer, Clinician, Instructor and Published Author

Kenn Smith has shared the stage with many great artists such as: Tower of Power, Wynton Marsalis and members of the Miles Davis Band. Born and raised in Chicago, he honed his musical skills as a freelance guitarist and bassist on Chicago's music scene. From theater and nightclubs to studio sessions and tours he quickly earned the reputation as one of the best in his field. As a solo artist, his music and impeccable technique are consistently described as a "soulful, organic experience". He has written and performed various styles. From Classical to Jazz, Funk to Progressive Rock and World Music. As of 2006 Kenn has written a instructional book for electric bass titled "Funk Licks" and is also a freelance writer for online bass webzines "Mel Bay Bass Session and his own "BassTalk".
His solo bass CD "Short Stories" is also available for download at iTunes and other online music sites.

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.