Kevin Batchelor's debut solo performance on March 22, 2008 in Russia was a huge success. Joined on stage by members of the legendary Skatalites, Kevin Batchelor captivated the audience with his riveting trumpet solos and soulful vocals. In mid-February, 2009, during his debut solo tour in Florida, Kevin and world-renowned Saxophonist, Cedric IM Brooks, tore up the stages and captivated audiences in the cities of Tallahassee, Downtown Gainesville, Cocoa Beach, and Jacksonville Beach. He has since given a spectacular performance in his hometown of NYC, and fans are surely wanting more. More shows to come throughout Europe and the USA in 2009.
Born in 1960 in St. Louis, Missouri, Kevin Batchelor met his destiny at the age of thirteen. Already an avid lover of music, he stumbled upon the Miles Davis record Milestones. Captivated by the sound of the trumpet, he instantly fell under its influence and realized that this was the instrument that he would strive to perfect.
In the 1980s he gained prestige as a scholar and performer at the Berklee College of Music. A driven individual, his determined efforts have resulted in a fruitful career. Touring the globe with bands such as Steel Pulse and The Skatalites, he has effortlessly captured the attention of audiences worldwide with his masterful ensemble playing and spirited solos. In addition to playing trumpet, Kevin is an energetic and respected vocalist, influenced by the creative genius of Bob Marley, Louis Armstrong and several others. He performed on Broadway as a member of The Full Monty Orchestra on Broadway. He collaborated with producers Sidney Mills, of Living Room Records and Noel Alphonso on the recording and release of his debut CD entitled “BATCHELOR PARTY” (2006, Living Room Records) now on sale at www.ebreggae.com, www.cdbaby.com and at Super Power Records in Brooklyn, in addition to other websites. Currently he is touring as a proud member of The Skatalites while he continues to pursue his own creative endeavors as a singer/songwriter and trumpet player. He is again collaborating with producer Sidney Mills (Living Room Records), Victor Rice- Stubborn(US) Radiola(SA) Megalith(US) Grover(EU)- and others on the recording and release of his second CD, due out 2009.
Credits: Queen Latifah, Rihanna, Sean Paul/Bunny Rugs, Marcus Miller (producer/songwriter for Miles Davis, Luther Vandross etc.), Sly and Robbie, Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Steel Pulse, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Maxwell, KRS-ONE, Burning Spear, Big Mountain, Black Rock Coalition, Sugar Minott, The Fleshtones, David Yazbek, Mark Ledford, The Meditations, Eek-A-Mouse, Harry Miller, Ms. Melodie, Shelly Thunder, Boogie Down Productions, Abeng, Lisette Melendez, Bustin Melonz, Boom Band, Dancehall Divas, Dog Eat Dog, Shinehead, Robi Kahakalau, Jah Batta, The Fleshtones, Marques Wyatt, Ras Droppa, Rob Symeonn, and Patrice. He has appeared on several Television shows including The David Letterman Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Arsenio Hall Show, BET: 106 and Park, and The Magic Johnson Show.
-Written by: Marguerite LoPresti
Publicist: Marguerite LoPresti ~ Raggamar@gmail.com
Producer: Sidney Mills ~ Sidmills@aol.com
