Yoshihisa Shimzu, a Japanese musician, formed the Japanese band Kenso in 1974. Due to Shimizu’s medical studies, the group entered hibernation for a while. They began working together again in 1979 and released their self-titled album the next year. They released Kenso 2nd in 1982 and Kenso3rd in 1985. They released In Concert, their live … Read more
American student of German language moves to Europe to pursue a Masters in Comparative Literature. Stacey Kent, one of the most prominent jazz singers in the world, is a surprise twist to her life. Stacey joined the Blue Note (EMI), recording artist roster in 2007. She now has eight best-selling albums including THE BOY NEXTDOOR … Read more
Kenton’s will in 1979 prohibited the creation of a “ghost group,” which is an industry term that refers to bands that play only the golden oldies of deceased leaders. Stan’s oldest daughter, Leslie Kenton has supported the band and the name change. She is Stan’s oldest daughter. She also expressed her complete approval of Mike … Read more
The Stan Kenton Orchestras 1956-1978 alumni come together for concerts, festivals, cruises, dances, and clinics. The band tours the United States each year and performs at jazz festivals and cruises. We perform the Stan Kenton Orchestra’s well-known music. In keeping with Stan’s insistence that we not only perform nostalgia-type music, we also perform new Kenton-style … Read more
Stan Kenton is one of the most controversial jazz musicians. While Kenton was disliked by jazz purists from different genres, he is loved by many others. Kenton is considered the top jazz cult figure alongside Sun Ra and Chet Baker. Kenton led a series of original bands that emphasized emotion, power and advanced harmonies more … Read more
Johnaye Kendrick was raised in San Diego, CA. In 2005, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Western Michigan University. She was honored with a recital with Fred Hersch and received the DownBeat Student Music Award in Outstanding Jazz Vocalist during her time at Western Michigan. Ms. Kendrick was admitted to Thelonious Monk Institute … Read more
Kengchakaj (Gheng/chAH/kad), a New York-based award-winning composer, pianist and improviser is born in Bangkok. A 2015 Fulbright Open Competition Award recipient. Kengchakaj is a musician whose work uses improvisation-based music to foster collective participation and empathy towards others. His idiom is rooted African American-derived music with the aesthetics and flavor of “Thai”. Kengchakaj is currently … Read more
Herman D. Kenin, born October 26, 1901 in Vineland (NJ) – July 21, 1970, was an American musician, leader of an orchestra, and trade unionist. Kenin, his mother and father, moved to Portland in Oregon in August 1911. He was offered a job as a violinist in George Olsen’s up-and-coming dance group in the 1920s. … Read more
Maureen has built a large repertoire of classics and discovered new gems to compliment her unique sound. Kennedy discovered jazz music in her twenties while studying six years with Fred Stone, a Canadian trumpet player and flugelhorn player. Under his guidance, she developed a pure sound and a restrained vibrato style. Ms. Kennedy has performed … Read more
Joe Kennedy Jr. is a violinist, composer, teacher, and arranger. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He was inducted into U.S. Army service during WWII. Joe performed with the Camp Lee Symphony Orchestra Petersburg, VA. Joe then returned to Pittsburgh and began his career as a jazz musician with the Four Strings. Mary Lou Williams, … Read more
