Bob Dylan, Keb' Mo', Miles Davis, James Taylor, Herbie Hancock, Jin, Ray Charles, John Lennon, Billy Joel, Tupac Shakur, Bruce Hornsby, John Mayer, Brian McKnight, Chuck Berry, Townes Van Zandt, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, George Benson, Tom Petty, Bobby Womack, Woody Guthrie, Donny Hathaway, Big Bill Broonzy, Willie Nelson, Eva Cassidy, Buck Owens, Gil Scott-Heron, The Beatles, Hank Williams Sr., Keith Jarrett, Jackson Browne, George Jones, Tom Waits, Randy Newman, D'Angelo, Pete Townshend, Marvin Gaye, Bruce Springsteen, Buck Owens, Oscar Peterson, Snooks Eaglin, Nas, Thelonious Monk, Amos Lee, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Rock, Bruce Lee, Richard Pryor, Bill Hicks, Mom & Dad, Lenny Bruce, Margaret Cho
Sounds Like
Stevie Wonder meets James Taylor meets Bruce Springsteen meets Keith Jarrett meets Bob Dylan meets Herbie Hancock meets Keb' Mo' meets George Jones meets Miles Davis meets Lightnin' Hopkins meets Pete Townshend meets Brian McKnight meets Randy Newman meets Sly Stone.
“The Amy Tan of the singer/songwriter world.” -Recording Magazine
If Bruce Lee were alive today, quit acting and started singing, he would be Kevin So. Put James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, and Billy Joel all together… and you get Kevin So. With nearly 20,000 CDs sold independently, Kevin So brings forth his latest effort “Best Foot Forward.”
“I wanted to do a 180°, like many of my musical idols. I’d released 2 full length studio albums with drums, bass, electric guitars, keyboards, background vocals, and horns. This time around, I want to give back something to the fans who have stuck by me since my ‘folkie’ days. It is something they’ve always said they love best - me solo acoustic. So that’s what this is.”
Recorded in September 2008 in just three days, “Best Foot Forward” captures the essence of So in his most intimate setting – solo acoustic. Included are the politically charged “Letter From Guantanamo,” the anthemic and socially relevant “Stronger Side By Side,” a post break-up “Forever Friend,” and the soul-searching “Hollywood, Cherokee & Vine.”
“For the past 5 years, it’s been me pretty much on the keyboards backed by my band. But this time I wanted to get back to the acoustic. Touring solo and opening for Keb’ Mo’ gave me affirmation that this is what I do best right now. It really does feel like this is, overall, my best foot forward.”
“Keep your eyes on the future
The sun is rising up ahead
They say the grass is always greener
You can’t go living with regret
Leave the rest behind
Leave the rest behind
Put your best foot forward
Leave the rest behind
-from “Best Foot Forward”
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A recent review of “Best Foot Forward”…
Former Boston native, Kevin So calls Nashville, TN home these days. During his time performing on the Boston coffeehouse scene, So became well known for his poignant songwriting, fine acoustic guitar work and soulful vocals. While he's dabbled in band situations, So proves to be at his best when performing solo. On his new album, Best Foot Forward, So reverts back to his basic tools of the trade: a lone acoustic guitar and his storytelling lyrics to deliver a recording that's crisp and clean while capturing him squarely in his element.
His guitar playing has become masterful and is the underlying element on Best Foot Forward that sets So apart from the pack. His lyrical observations are uncanny and he manages to fit them nicely into tidy little songs that touch both heart and soul. I for one miss Kevin So in the Boston scene and hope he's finding his place in Nashville, but in the meantime, be sure to dial in these new songs: the barroom honky tonk of "Second To None," the beautiful finger picked "Gulliver's Tavern," the sensitive elegance of "Forever Friend," the jangly Keb' Mo' inspired "Come On Over," and the true story of So's life, "Hollywood, Cherokee & Vine."
-Douglas Sloan, METRONOME MAGAZINE, August 2009
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About Kevin So…
In over a decade of performing his music around the country, Kevin So has earned the respect of fellow musicians (Keb' Mo', Amos Lee), won over members of press and radio, and has built a loyal fan base across the US. Born and raised in Boston, So channeled his early passion for singing into the start of a career with his appearance on the nationally broadcasted "Big Break" hosted by Natalie Cole. In 1994, So toured the country in a band that would later see some of its members moving on to Britney Spears' band. It was during that period when Kevin spent time listening to the early recordings of Bob Dylan. By 1995, So quit the band and became a regular on the open-mic scene in Cambridge. His strong musicianship caught the attention of a Boston Globe critic who wrote that Kevin was "unusually talented." At the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, an Austin Chronicle columnist took notice, writing that So was "the big discovery." The release of So's Individual in 1997 was accompanied by sold-out shows at the legendary Club Passim. So moved to Chicago in ‘99, booked his own gigs, performing shows in the Midwest and elsewhere. Subsequently, he opened for Joe Cocker, Billy Bragg, and Randy Newman. In 2001, So moved back to Boston. Musically, he was shifting from folk to a more R&B sound. The day after September 11, Kevin connected with bluesman Keb' Mo' and co-wrote "Talk," which Keb' would eventually record. So continued touring in 2002, becoming a favorite among colleges across the US. The double CD Leaving The Lights On appeared to an avalanche of praise in 2003 and 2004. With two more CDs under his belt (The So Must Go On in 2005 and A Brighter Day in 2007), So toured at a vigorous clip. In the summer of ‘07, Kevin was recipient of the Overall Excellence Award (Outstanding Music & Lyrics) for his work in "Victor Woo: The Average Asian American” a musical loosely based on his life. It debuted at the New York International Fringe Festival to packed houses. Kevin stayed on the road in 2007 and 2008, opening for Keb’ Mo’ on several occasions. His highly anticipated solo acoustic release Best Foot Forward is supported by concert dates this year.
For more information, please visit the official website www.KevinSo.com
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Here's what people are saying about Kevin...
"Kevin So is beginning to do what Guthrie did for Dust Bowl refugees and Dylan for the '60s generation. He presents his life and times in brash strokes of insight, wit, and empathy.”
-The Boston Globe
“An original talent and tremendous performer.” -Billy Bragg
"I'm going to help you one day." -Timothy White, editor-in-chief, Billboard Magazine
"Guitar picking that put the holes back into the music... Well-crafted balladry and a silky Stevie Wonder-ish tenor that held the audience entranced.”
-Austin Chronicle
"You're the one." -Keb' Mo'
"The new hardest working man in show business" -WFUV-FM
"You really inspired me." -Martin Sexton
“Not many entertainers have the depth of storytelling that Kevin So has – and the voice to bring it all out” -Northwest Indiana Times
“He’s the man !... He’s the man !” -Richie Havens
"His songs tell tales of other lives and sketch graceful pictures of momentary city life... So is already a craftsman, and his gifts are burgeoning." -The Boston Herald
“Kevin So is the MOST !” -Mary Lou Lord
“He's for real… a strong bid for national buzz.” -Music-Critic.com
"Stunning... an amazing grasp of songwriting. His voice has a startling quality that immediately gains your attention, and later, your respect."
-Metronome Magazine
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For bookings and more information, please visit the official website: http://www.KevinSo.com
Kevin you did a great round of songs at Bobby's Idle Hour last Thursday. I always enjoy your music. It was great talking to you again. I am glad you liked my round of songs also. Till the next time we run into each other. Maybe next time we can get in the same round.
Thanks for adding me. I'll keep an eye on your page and see what your up to. Please let me know when your buying merch and I'll help ya make it look sweet and at a great price...
Thanks so much and good luck! Bill Nishanian Music Imprints bill@musicimprints.com 615-829-6858
Hey man, thanks for accepting my friend request. Im loving the music especially Second to None. keep up the great work, and check out my page if you get the chance. thanks a lot Kevin So
...that was some wonderful color you were adding last night man....sure do like your groove.....classy and smooth. I think it contrasted well against my kind of raw acoustic style.....interesting. I'd like to do some more of that. It's more than fun to play with talent like you and Fran. Catch you around town somewhere soon.....Jay
Kevin just wrote you a 'private' note. .Anyway, listening to you on here. . . .Damn!!! I just remembered how amazingly soulful you are!!!!! Loving your talent and missed it!!! And you're in Nashville? My parents live there now!!! cool. Miss you. Love, J'Nae
Kevin, You knocked it out the other night at The Hall of Fame Lounge.... I believe Don has us on a round together next week at the Hall of Fame. I'm looking forward to pickin' a few with you man. See you then if I don't catch you somewhere else beforehand. Jay
Hey!! What's going on???? IT is cool to be friends....stop by I want to hear from you!! xoxo~V .......it would be great if you would watch my video on cmt.com and let me know what you think!!!
![KEVIN SO: That Oriental Guy [Remastered]](http://cdbaby.name/k/e/kevinso10_small.jpg)
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