If the audience at a Keith Kenny show were to close their eyes for the performance they would swear that there was a full band on stage. The audience, however, is too busy dancing to the one-man acts layered guitar riffs, foot stomping percussion, and emotionally charged lyrics to even think about looking away.
The New Jersey native is able to emulate the sound of a full rock band with his percussive fingerstyle approach to the acoustic guitar and an array of effects pedals. Kenny even customized a vintage red suitcase to use as a kick drum which has appeared with him on stage for nearly a decade of live performances.
His debut appearances at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park paved the way for Kenny’s developing one-man band show and led him into the national touring circuit and beyond. During his most recent “Big Red Suitcase Tour” Kenny performed in over 50 U.S. cities from coast to coast and was invited to headline a series of benefit concerts in SE Asia. In recent years he has shared the stage with the likes of Keller Williams, Leon Russell, John Hammond Jr., New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Zen Tricksters and John Kadlecik (Further & Dark Star Orchestra).
On his latest studio release “And the Light Came Blaring In…” Kenny captures the essence of his live solo show, with all the guitars, vocals, and foot stomping performed simultaneously. While he has used a band for several previous releases, on this record Kenny relies more on his lone power of compositional grit than his usual fret board grandeur. With an influential voice that lies somewhere between Neil Young and Ben Bridwell, Kenny delivers clear and concise visions of dynamic musical deliverance. Combining a deep dive into tone, originality and believability, he ushers the listener into his brand new living room of roots riddled rock and roll.
Never going for the standard attack, he flies far from the 12-bar blues, three-chord rock and Americana stereotype to land some place between a rock and a new place. The album illustrates a highly skilled writer who utilizes the same down-home approach in his music as he does with his day-to-day interactions with others. It’s a combination that will continue to see Kenny reach exciting new levels as he helps future fans “see the light” of his musical message.
To hear his full discography, watch recent videos, and check out upcoming tour dates visit www.KeithKenny.com
(Excerpt from John Pfieffer of The Aquarian Weekly & Jessica Smith of the Sentinel)