Kent grew up in south-east Virginia, an area known for its Hip Hop talent and professional athletes over its Jazz artists. He learned to play saxophone beginning in the 5th grade and continued throughout high school in the symphonic and Jazz bands. There were musical influences at home also, especially Jazz. He recalls hearing ”Straight, No Chaser” at an early age, although Monk was too heavy for him at the time. Even though he was playing Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington in high school, Kent was living James Brown and Sly Stone in the streets.
Kent's mother encouraged his musical interests, and bought him an electric guitar, amplifier and instructional books. He developed a good ear and could easily duplicate R&B guitar parts. His talent continued to grow in college, having the opportunity to play Jazz with seasoned musicians. Along with a technical major, Kent also completed music theory classes. His goal was to get a degree, get a job, and let his job finance his musical aspirations. He understood at a relatively young age that dreams have to be grounded in reality.
After graduation, Kent moved around the country, living in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, and finally settling in Detroit in 1995. He continued his musical studies in Atlanta with Jacque Lesure, and Vaughn Klugh in Detroit. Vaughn, Earl Klugh’s cousin, taught Kent chord substitutions and to play as a solo guitarist. Today, Kent’s solo versions of Misty, Autumn Leaves and The Christmas Song are frequently requested when he performs. He also does a Stevie Wonder medley that includes My Cherie Amour, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, and Superwoman.
Kent’s musical interests and skills have broadened tremendously. He now understands how Miles and B.B. squeeze so much from a single note. He plays Monk, Wes and Coltrane, and performs multiple originals that reflect his influences and social/political philosophy. I hope you get the opportunity to hear Kent perform songs written for piano, or trumpet, or sax, or even voice. His arrangements are cool, creative and contemporary. He mixes solo work with ensemble pieces, originals with standards, confirming there are bigger things to come from this emerging guitarist. |
