Press/Reviews
Smooth jazz musician Kevin Howard brings his refined, ear- pleasing trio to Baybreeze on Friday.
He recently toured with Ronnie Laws, who was so excited by one of Howard's new songs he pulled him up front to do it each night.
1 Your music is described as smooth jazz; do you like that term?
It's contemporary jazz or smooth jazz, either or. They kind of lump everybody together to put a title to it. I guess I consider smooth jazz as a mixture of R&B, fusion, traditional jazz, rock and pop. My interpretation is pretty broad as far as smooth jazz and contemporary jazz.
2 Do you play all originals?
Most of them are original. I have three CDs out, the current one is titled 'Special Edition.' So I'll be doing a few songs from that. I'm also working on a new CD, 'Out in the Shadows.' Everyone will get a sneak peak of
3 Which covers do you sneak in?
We're doing a couple Michael Jackson covers. Got to pay homage to Michael. And I like Jeff Lorber; he's one of my biggest influences. I play some Jeff Lorber compositions.
4 What drew you to jazz?
I heard a Bill Evans' song and said, 'Wow.' It was so beautiful and so melodic and harmonious. It drew me in to actually play the piano. Before that, I wanted to play the saxophone and I do love the saxophone. I play a little but not enough to do any songs or solos. But I will say, I play all over the country. This past year I was on tour with Ronnie Laws, who is like a great sax player. And I played with Najee, Marion Meadows. The list goes on.
5 Biggest goose-bump moments?
Definitely (playing with) Ronnie Laws. ... And, of course, George Benson. He came to one of the historical places, Crawford Grille in Pittsburgh. We did 'This Masquerade.' That was 'Wow.' I had a chance to sit and talk with him and have dinner. It's one of those moments I will remember for a lifetime.
-- Dave Richards
HEAR IT Kevin Howard Trio performs Friday at 8 p.m. at Baybreeze, 25 E. 10th St. Admission is $5.
