Jazz/World recording artist Kenny Love has worn many hats in the musical arena -- international radio/video promoter, media publicist, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist. His foray into the world of music began at the tender age of four when, as he recalls, “A miniature trumpet was casually removed from my grasp (and lips) during preparation for a March of Dimes parade as a result of my having failed to cause it to transmit sound, although I was huffing and puffing quite professionally.” This would later become the first instrument for which he received formal training and ultimately mastered. A native of Texas, Kenny received musical training from 1970-1976 while in elementary, junior high, and high school, eventually adding the bass guitar, strings, piano, and an extensive study of music composition to his repertoire. He also spent two years at Prairie View A&M University in Texas as a Music Education Major. At the completion of his sophomore year, he joined and spent four years in the Army, after which time he became an independent recording artist. Kenny performed with several bands in Texas and Germany over the years, including The Lights of Soul (1976), Instant Function (1976-1978), Just Us & Duane (1982), High Rise (1984-1985), Nightwynd (1987), and The Wall of Jazz (2009). In 1984, he was signed by the notable major label R&B producer Aubrey "Skip" Gravatt, after Gravatt, also credited with having discovered disco queen Evelyn Champagne King, heard one of Kenny’s studio recordings. The major label deal never materialized, however, due to Mr. Gravatt's untimely death. Kenny subsequently released several independent single recordings that received both international radio airplay and print media coverage. Kenny began a secondary music career as a combined radio/video promoter and media publicist in 1991 after having successfully marketed, promoted, and publicized his first recording independently that same year. He formally retired from promotion and publicity in 2010 to return to his first loves of music composition and music production. Until 2011, he had released no complete albums as a solo artist, but did release a number of R&B/Dance singles as a solo artist, several of which were "All Of My Love" and "Just Want To Dance (With You)" in 1991, and "Vampire Love" in 2003, all of which received international accolades. The multi-talented, multifaceted entertainer admits that he enjoys composing, recording and producing equally because each contains its own unique and separate element and experience. His choice of music for his own listening pleasure is jazz, and he describes his personal genre as Jazz/World Hybrid, stating “My sound was developed after I discovered the amazing 'coloring' that can be affected and executed via inverted 7th, 9th, and 11th chords within a musical composition.” Kenny’s musical influences include The Crusaders, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Herbie Hancock, Lenny White, and Donald Byrd. He readily admits that the best advice he’s ever been given is “Don’t sign with a major label,” and says he is still assessing the worst advice. Kenny attributes his longevity and success in the music industry to “Taking the next breath, struggling, and survival – though not necessarily in that particular order.” ________________________________________________ Reviews Below By Michele Wilson-Morris, MI2N/Music Dish ________________________________________________ "KuPaa" Upbeat and both profoundly positive and funky, Kenny Love’s "KuPaa" is a work of genius from beginning to end. The song, which is a fusion of the Jazz and World genres, begins with an a capella performance in Swahili about ascending and rising above. Love showcases his mastery of multi-layered vocal harmonies, all of which he performs himself. Both simple and complex, “KuPaa” has a sophisticated African jazz flavor and rhythm that continues to unfold and be enhanced as the track continues through the brilliant placement of saxophone and trumpet solos, complemented by the keyboards, drums, horns, strings, and synthesizer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Voyage to Serenity" “Voyage To Serenity” begins with chimes and a soft piano solo that leads into a smooth jazz fusion that changes, and yet stays the same in its underlying melody. A nice saxophone lead carries this tune, which is well accompanied by keyboards and bass rifts, bringing about a melancholic state of mind. It more than meets its goal of soothing the listener, almost compelling one to relax with thoughts of chardonnay, scented candles, and satin sheets. Kenny sees the track through to completion in style, singing the vocal chant at its end. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Seasons of Change" Kenny Love’s “Seasons Of Change” is a seasoned jazz presentation of both vocal and instrumental quality. The lyrics speak of both a literal and figurative change in seasons – the seasons of nature and the circle of life. The track begins with a piano solo, and the keyboards continue to strongly dominate along with Love’s vocal performance and a smooth and nicely placed muted trumpet solo. This is as good as jazz gets. _______________________________________________ Jazz Radio Station & Jazz Fan Comments: "Ah, kl. I think you have assembled an impressive group of musicians, and have blended pop sounds with exquisite harmonies, beautifully recorded and sweetened. KuPaa's 6/8 against 5/8 (or 11/8) meter is at once sophisticated and intriguing, given how smoothly and consistently you carry it through even the turnarounds with a well-established pop sound. A kind of kinky/smooth effect. The tempo could stop conversation w/o many listeners knowing why they had ceased to talk. The thought makes me grin widely! In short, a simple, yet, alluring rhythm that has been beautifully produced. Best of good fortune to you." - Charles Degelman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "This is so HOT!!!!! Love it!! I love the song, 'Glide', and am sooooooo feeling it! Hey now!!??! Congrats Kenny!! I want this CD Kenny." - Esther Linda Byrd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Glide is very nice. Jazz mixed with rock/pop. I like the way you did the lyrics." - Michele' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "GLIDE IS PHAT! LOVED IT!" - Minister R. K. Wyatt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hi, Kenny ~*Just breezing by to say hi and wish you a lovely weekend. Keep pouring your love into your music; it's your gift to the World. Take care, my friend." - Charlee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "KuPaa is fine music that should do well. Good rhythm and not overwhelming." - Nancy Mikelsons -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hi, Kenny. I like it a lot. It is a cool groove and the voices lend another layer of depth. Let me know if you need anything." - Michael C. Lewis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hi Kenny, we dig your sound. We’d be honored to play your songs here on IMRadio. I will be on the lookout for them and get them into our radio rotation as soon as possible for you. Enjoy your awesome talent!" - Paddy Noonan, IMRadio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Nice Track Jazz man! :) Great Feel so far...Could play as is...Feel free to send any tracks you would like considered for airplay." - Neil (Blake Radio Network) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Kenny, we have extensive jazz programming here at KKFI, and would like to get on your mailing list. Thank you." - Norm Browning, KKFI -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Please send me a hard copy along with a bio. I enjoy airing information about the artist, and I like putting on the air more than one song. Thank you." - Liana Fernandez/Music Director - KRBS RADIO 107.1 FM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "OUTASIGHT!!!!!!! NICE HORNS COMPLIMENT! BOY, YOU HAVE WOKE A SLEEPING GIANT WITH KUPAA!" - Jacques Webster, Recording Artist -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Oooh! Kenny, Oooh Kenny Love!! Sounds great, and I am not even a jazz lover! Good work!" - Joyce Smith -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Good Stuff... Nice hearing from you...keep up the good work!" - Clyde Toval, Music Producer/Label Owner -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I think this idea is cool, and the keyboard is nice!" - James Branch, Recording Artist -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey Kenny, this is REALLY a nice cut !!! Liking it a lot !!!" - Rob Holbert, Recording Artist -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Sounds very good and really full! Take care and lots of luck on the new release." - Ursula Barber -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I like the ending with all the solos and the layering and cutting in." - Terrell R. Bennett, Saxophonist ______________________________________________ http://www.kennylovejazz.com