Sam Kininger

A Berklee alum, and saxophone legend, Sam Kininger is building his fan-base and repertoire simultaneously at clubs across the country. Kininger has been in legendary funk/soul groups since the beginning, including, but not limited to Lettuce and Soulive. He has also performed with larger pop acts such as Dave Matthews Band, DJ Quick and Wyclef Jean.

As a solo artist Sam Kininger has developed a distinctive, organic sound on the saxophone that is strongly expressive. He consistently demonstrates his technical dexterity and rhythmic precision while maintaining an honest and innovative exploration of musical improvisation.

His debut album includes completely original instrumental funk/jazz compositions. The grooves are intense and the solos are aggressively rhythmic and deeply soulful. Loaded with guest musicians, Sam Kininger’s album features some of the most talented musicians on the scene, including Eric Krasno (guitar) and Neal Evans (organ) from Soulive, the legendary Fred Wesley (trombone) from George Clinton’s Parliament and James Brown’s JB’s, and Adam Deitch (drums), a member of guitar legend John Scofield’s band.

Sam Kininger’s original funk band, which also features Amy Bowles on Key’s, Aaron Bellamy on Bass and Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce) on Drums (as well as an assortment of other rotating musicians), has been blowing away audiences with their high-energy funk for about 7 years now, and their musical evolution and popularity is exponentially growing with each show. They have performed at many festivals throughout the country, including The New Orleans Jazz Festival (LA), The North Beach Jazz Festival (CA), Snoe.Down (NY), Bear Creek (FL) and Berkfest (MA). They have also had successful shows in clubs such as The Blue Note (NYC), The Mercury Lounge (NYC), The Elbow Room (CA), Tipitina’s (LA) and many others.

Sam Kininger’s sophomore album, "Anthem", was released in Japan on March 5, 2008 on the BMG-JAPAN label.


SOULIVE - Sam was also a member of the internationally renowned Blue Note recording group Soulive, who has successfully toured the world and achieved outstanding record sales. During the summer of 1999, Soulive cut their first LP, “Turn It Out,” for Velour. It featured guests John Scofield and Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers). Then, in 2001, Soulive released their sophomore album, “Doin’ Something,” featuring legendary performer and arranger Fred Wesley on trombone. In February 2001, Soulive toured Japan, followed by a month long European summer tour that included stops in France, England, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands. They band also did a run of stadium shows opening for the Dave Matthews Band.

On March 12, 2002 Soulive released their album NEXT. They incorporated their love for hip-hop and R&B creating the sounds for NEXT. They collaborated with Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Amel, Larrieux and Dave Matthews.

Sam continued to tour as a member of Soulive through 2003 after which he decided to spend more time focusing on his own, Sam Kininger Band.

After a 4 year break from touring with Soulive, Sam once again rejoined the band in early 2008 after making a guest appearance with them at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He was soon joined by longtime Soulive/Lettuce collaborator Ryan Zoidis and the two were dubbed The Shady Horns. They have since released a new album, “Up Here” (Royal Family) and have completed national tours of the US and Japan.


LETTUCE – With their Velour Recordings release, Outta Here, Lettuce combines the grittiness of the Meters with the harmonic textures of Herbie Hancock. The band consists of Sam Kininger, Eric Krasno (Soulive), Neal Evans (Soulive), Adam Deitch (John Scofield, Shakira, Wyclef Jean), Adam Smirnoff (Robert Randolph), Erick Coomes (The Game, DJ Quick, Britney Spears), and Ryan Zoidis (Rustic Overtones). On their album, Lettuce is joined by some of their heroes including guitar great John Scofield, trombone legend Fred Wesley and Tonni Smith (Jamaica Funk). Lettuce has successfully toured across the US as well as Japan.

On April 22, 2008, Lettuce made their return with their third album, "Rage!", out on Velour Records. A homage to the history of funk music, "Rage!" blends the old school with the new. Supporting their new album, Lettuce performed a number of live dates throughout the year including shows at New Orleans Jazz Fest, Fuji Rock Festival, All Good Music Festival, Newport Jazz Fest and Jamcruise. Lettuce is currently playing shows and festivals between Soulive dates.

CONTACT INFO: Booking: Please email all booking inquires to: booking@hartstoneproductions.com

General Info: info@hartstoneproductions.com

Sam Kininger Band @ Revolution Hall - 2/23/08 - "10 Hours Late"

Sam Kininger Band @ Revolution Hall - 2/23/08 - "Time To Be Out"

Sam Kininger Band @ Revolution Hall - 2/23/08 - "NY No. 1"

Soulive (featuring Sam Kininger):