In 1995, Kevin McKendree left his haunts in the Washington, D.C. area to move to Nashville, TN. Recommended by The Rolling Stones' keyboardist, Chuck Leavell, he backed Arista recording artist Lee Roy Parnell. Still in his twenties, Kevin co-wrote and co-produced the Grammy nominated piano driven instrumental, "Mama, Screw Your Wig On Tight."
Since 1998, Kevin has become a major support to Delbert McClinton as his band leader, playing on the Grammy winning albums, "Nothing Personal" and "Cost Of Living," and the Grammy nominated album, "Room To Breathe." Delbert's easy touring schedule has enabled him to have the best of both worlds in Nashville; recording sessions during the week and playing "live" on the weekends.
In 2005 Kevin played on the critically acclaimed Brian Setzer album, "Rockabilly Riot." Following it's release he toured Europe with Setzer and was featured on both piano and guitar.
Kevin, recently, has been focused on songwriting and producing in his own studio, The Rock House. The studio, which resembles a warm wood filled chapel, has natural light and a creative vibe. In Kevin's words, "I wanted a place that lends itself to spontaneity, a place to make good music with my friends outside of the Nashville norm."
"Hammers & Strings," Kevin's new release, is a piano dominated performance. "My only rule was 'no guitar' -- not because I don't like guitar -- but I had played so much guitar on my last album, I really wanted to feature the piano on this one. My hope is that listeners will find as much pleasure listening to it as I had making it."
Kevin can currently be found touring with Delbert McClinton. You can catch him performing with Delbert and many other artists by checking the calendar at kevinmckendree.com.
Kevin McKendree plays Yamaha keyboards because he wants the best.
Kevin McKendree
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