Ray Charles, Ramsey Lewis, Otis Spann, Professor Longhair, Henry Mancini, Amos Milburn, Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons, Steve Bassett, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Leavell, James Booker, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith, Groove Holmes, Little Richard, Huey Smith, Mac Rebbenack, Billy Preston, Nicky Hopkins, Al Kooper, Ian Stewart, Ian McLagan, Johnnie Johnson, Charles Brown, Stevie Wonder, Leon Russel, Richard Manuel, Spooner Oldham, Barry Beckett, Billy Powell, Jr. Walker, Richard Tee, Ruben Gonzalez, Lafayette Leake, Bob Seely, Bill Evans, Roosevelt Sykes and many many more
In 1995, Kevin McKendree left his haunts in the Washington, D.C. area to move to Nashville, TN. Recommended by The Rolling Stones' keyboardist, Chuck Leavell, he backed Arista recording artist Lee Roy Parnell. Still in his twenties, Kevin co-wrote and co-produced the Grammy nominated piano driven instrumental, "Mama, Screw Your Wig On Tight."
Since 1998, Kevin has become a major support to Delbert McClinton as his band leader, playing on the Grammy winning albums, "Nothing Personal" and "Cost Of Living," and the Grammy nominated album, "Room To Breathe." Delbert's easy touring schedule has enabled him to have the best of both worlds in Nashville; recording sessions during the week and playing "live" on the weekends.
In 2005 Kevin played on the critically acclaimed Brian Setzer album, "Rockabilly Riot." Following it's release he toured Europe with Setzer and was featured on both piano and guitar.
Kevin, recently, has been focused on songwriting and producing in his own studio, The Rock House. The studio, which resembles a warm wood filled chapel, has natural light and a creative vibe. In Kevin's words, "I wanted a place that lends itself to spontaneity, a place to make good music with my friends outside of the Nashville norm."
"Hammers & Strings," Kevin's new release, is a piano dominated performance. "My only rule was 'no guitar' -- not because I don't like guitar -- but I had played so much guitar on my last album, I really wanted to feature the piano on this one. My hope is that listeners will find as much pleasure listening to it as I had making it."
Kevin can currently be found touring with Delbert McClinton. You can catch him performing with Delbert and many other artists by checking the calendar at kevinmckendree.com.
Kevin McKendree plays Yamaha keyboards because he wants the best.
Kevin McKendree
Just putting in my annual YamJam request for "Let's Go Get Stoned." One of these years you're going to do that for me, and I'm going to faint dead on the flo'!
Thanks for stoppin by and checkin out the site. Hope you are diggin the new BEKKA BRAMLETT HIT SINGLE "WHAT'S ON MY MIND" CURRENTLY ROCKIN MUSIC ROW...AVAILABLE @ CD BABY...NOW...GET THIS GIRL!
Kevin thanks for the add, but for the last few years Robert had kept me up to date on many of your projects and endeavours. Best of luck and success in your studio as well..Id given anything to have heard you, and Robert Ward work together. Few know he was the "one" who converted my dear friend Lonnie Mack over to magic of the Magnatone Amp 40 years ago. Wishing you nothing but the very best Kevin.
Ciao,Kevin Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
Thanks;-) We had to wait a bit before the sun came out to take the shots. It definitely was worth the trip to see you all, we had a great time! Enjoy Norway, and Hell!
BUY MISS LAURA'S KITCHEN
BUY HAMMERS & STRINGS
