About:

Solo Performance

As a solo artist Kevin identifies with the styles of guitar legends such as Joe Pass, Chet Atkins, and Martin Taylor, cleverly harmonizing melodies and applying rhythm to form what is his style of solo guitar. His solo instrumental repertoire covers classical, jazz, Latin and acoustic rock. As a vocalist, he offers the party something extra, with an always evolving list of great vocal tunes. The result is a totally unique solo musician, that can be formal and forefront when needed, excite an atmosphere for a conversation, or woo people into a dance.

Biography

Growing up in central Illinois in the 60's and 70's, Kevin played trumpet, cello, piano, and guitar by age twelve. In those early years, he was most often the one in the band counted on to figure out by ear, how to play the cover songs of the time. The various bands to which he contributed, performed in clubs around central Illinois, Indiana, and along the Mississippi River.

Kevin studied music and electronics in college, while he worked as a solo guitarist, taught guitar privately, free lanced with several variety bands and in the studio. During this time, his practice schedule took on an hours-per-day rate, while he studied theory, guitar improvisation, and jazz standards.

After moving to Denver, CO, Kevin continued performing as a free lance guitarist, working with a well established private event band for weddings and fund raisers, at times with guests including presidents, well known recording artists and Hollywood figures.

Kevin first used his electronics background to do some audio-visual/music equipment repair. During the 80's he became a design engineer for a couple of small startup companies. After the second company was acquired by Tektronix in Beaverton, OR, he and his family moved there. Kevin worked for Tek into the 90's, before leaving for another startup company, and eventually leaving that to become an engineering consultant. In his experience as an engineer, he designed a variety micro-controlled devices and test instruments, did some software and internet programming, and authored a U.S. patent in data acquisition architecture. As in music, he was usually the project leader.

Kevin re-established his full time musical status in 2000 and has been busy ever since, performing solo, teaching, and leading his popular band, Swing Essence. He is currently living in Northern Colorado.

Major Influences:

Joe Pass, Chet Atkins, Howard Roberts, Larry Carlton, Steve Howe, Stephen Stills, Pat Metheny, Martin Taylor, Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis.

A Photo Collection