Jennifer grew up in a Midwestern musical family, playing piano and singing in the choir. Classic country was her thing, until a band member loaned her some Bill Monroe records and said "You've got to listen to this". She started going to jams at Paul's Saloon in San Francisco and learned to play bass. She has since played in various bluegrass bands in the Bay Area.
Thomas Cooper Banjo, Vocals
Thomas grew up in a musical family also. His father was a university music professor, so Tom grew up playing and listening to classical music. Then his brother learned the guitar so Tom learned the banjo. His favorite banjo influences include Earl Scruggs and Bobby Thompson. Tom plays other instruments including trumpet and pedal steel.
Alex Minor Guitar, Vocals
Alex is a native of California. He was a rock and roller until a friend invited him to a bluegrass jam He took lessons and classes in bluegrass and regularly attended local jams where he met Jennifer, who tagged him to play guitar in the new band. Alex in turn persuaded Tom to join.
Avram Frankel Dobro, Vocals
After years of playing rock 'n' roll, country, and Americana on guitar, Avram credits his wife with his recent focus on bluegrass. Vicki dragged him to many Telluride shows and then CBA events. Avram has studied with local teachers Avram Siegal, Keith Little, and Ivan Rosenberg. Avram incorporates both traditional and contemporary resophonic guitar styles into Kitchen Help's performances.
Matt Kendall Mandolin, Vocals
Matt's musical career started at age 9, playing clawhammer banjo in his father's old-time band. As a teen he gave it all up to play rock and roll guitar. A few years ago he returned to his roots, picked up the mandolin, and started going to local jams where he met Alex, Jennifer, and Avram.
Formed in 2007 by Jennifer Kitchen, Kitchen Help is a high energy bluegrass band that delivers traditional songs and heartfelt vocal harmonies inspired by the masters, such as Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Jim and Jesse, and Jimmy Martin. Based in Redwood City, Kitchen Help has performed at most of the regional bluegrass festivals: CBA/Vern's Stage in Grass Valley, Parkfield, Plymouth, Brown Barn, Bluegrass on Broadway, Good Old Fashioned, and the SF Bluegrass and Old Time Festival. We've played many Bay Area venues: the Atlas and the Riptide in San Francisco, McGrath's Irish Pub in Alameda,KPFA radio and the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, Dana Street and the Red Rock Cafe in Mountain View, KKUP radio in Cupertino, and Sam's BBQ in San Jose.
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I like the new songs! In fact I like the flavor of all the songs you've posted. Bluegrass gets old in a hurry when it's nothing but banjos and fiddles going berserk, but your music has real warmth, and I like the steadying influence of that upright bass. Keep up the good work, guys!
Hi Kitchen Help! It was fun to share the bill with you last Saturday at Red Rock....your music was great. Hope our paths cross again. Lucy from Women With Strings Attached
Jennifer, I think you're fantastic! I'm Meghan, the other bass player/bluegrass lover/herbalist/nutritionist/lady...I think Dave G might have mentioned me to you...looking forward to meeting you, will you be at Plymouth? Meghan
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