Kevin Washington

Bio:

KEVIN WASHINGTON //Percussionist Composer Educator// Biography In 2003 Kevin Washington’s stellar skills were featured in Modern Drummer Magazine, however his dedication to drumming began as soon as he could hold the sticks. And with teacher’s of such excellent caliber like Max Roach and Roy Brooks it was almost impossible for him to go wrong. Born in 1975 in Detroit, Michigan to musicians and scholars Donald and Faye Washington, his musical career began at the early age of five when he played at the local jazz festival from 1981 to 1985. As a young performer he also played in jazz festivals in Chicago, Illinois; Mobile, Alabama; and Hartford, Connecticut. Kevin moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota when he was thirteen where as a teen he played with various bands in the jazz, Latin, funk, reggae and African idioms. To this day Washington proves to be one of the most versatile drummers in the country. In 1996 Washington moved to New York City to study jazz at the New School for Social Research. He performed all over New York with different musical groups such as The Chico Freeman Quartet, Arnie Lawrence, Antonio Hart and James Carter to name a few. During his stay in New York he was also a Rhythm Instructor at the Harlem School of the Arts. Since leaving New York, Washington has been traversing the Twin Cities area with his highly sought after drum performance skills. Washington has accompanied various visiting musicians such as Brian Lynch, Steve Slagle and Dave Stryker, David ‘Fat Head’ Newman, Rodney Jones and James Carter. He also performs in several local jazz groups. He is the lead drummer with Moveable Feast; who released their second CD in 2002 and is in the process of recording their third; and The Kevin Washington trio. He can also be found playing with other great musicians such as Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera, the incomparable members of Jazz is NOW! and vocalist Bruce Henry. In April of 2006 Kevin accompanied Afro-Peruvian guitarist Andres Prado to Lima, Peru and performed at various music venues during a ten-day tour. In July of 2003 Kevin, along with the Doug Little Quartet, embarked upon a month long European tour that covered locations including Germany, France, and Italy. Currently, Kevin is teaching at McNally School of Music, provides private instruction at Walker West Academy and is working on his solo CD project which will include many of the top musicians in Minneapolis. Kevin also adds to the Minneapolis arts scene by hosting a weekly open mic for musicians, poets and vocalists as well as sharing his skills in Makkosa and Soukus rhythms. In his spare time Kevin devotes himself to composing music, teaching private lessons and honing his craft. SOME OF THE PEOPLE I'VE HAD THE HONOR TO PLAY WITH: • Brian Lynch • Roy Brooks • Marcus Bellgrave • Cecil Bridgewater • James Carter • Anthony Cox • Malachi Favors • Chico Freeman • Nachito Herrera • Fred Hopkins • Rodney Jones • Roscoe Mitchell • David Murray Big Band • Steve Slagle and Dave Stryker • David ‘Fat Head’ Newman • Bobby Watson • Fred Wesley • Rodney Whittaker • Reggie Workman ....
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Member Since:

February 27, 2006

Influences:

Max Roach, Sam Favors, Donald & Faye Washington and many others.

Sounds Like:

Soul Thunder