Keith Kenny: Part 1

by Leigh Silbernagel in Concert Reviews, Editorials, Musician Reviews, New Releases, Opinion Posts, Reviews, bands to watch

May 27, 2008: I first met Keith Kenny when they performed at The College of New Jersey on Friday April 26^th, 2008. Self-named after the lead singer, the band members are Keith Kenny- lead/vocal/guitar; Jonathan Luberecki- bass, and Tyler Chiara- drums. They’ve put out 2 EPs on the internet, and their first album is out June 14^th, 2008, which will be reviewed in a separate blog at that time. Musically, you’re listening to mixed acoustic and electric instrumentation, mixed major and minor key tonality. Basically: a hybrid of blues rock, classic hard rock, a little bit of Eric Clapton (when he did blues) and Led Zeppelin.

[The Band]

The ‘New Jersey’ vibe was present in their appearance. And you can’t miss the weatherworn look of the guitar- which almost showed the years and shows it’s been at. One could tell that this is a guitar player that will play the first guitar that he ever got for his entire life, even though he could replace it, he never would based on principle.

The band members went to high school together, met in Guitar Center, and then again at a backyard gig called Kenstock in Monroe Township, NJ. Their biggest music influences have been Stevie Ray Vaughn; Michael Hedges, and Jimi Hendrix. A political and intellectual influence has been Ron Paul. And the inspiration for lyrics came from “life experiences, sad times, bad things…”

During the concert, I could not describe the guitar riffing, solo’s, chord progression, plucking, chugging. During the interview, I asked Kenny who have been your biggest musical influences and he said, Hendrix, Vaughn, Hedges. And that to me was the light bulb that I needed. The reason why I could not describe what I was hearing was because it is impossible to describe the combination of Hendrix, Vaughn and Hedges. You have to experience it yourself.

This is great musicianship at its finest—combining a warm blues rock tone with some hard rock roots. My favorite parts were the electric guitar solos and riffs, with thru composed melodic style and demanding guitar and drum parts. And finally, the bass enhanced the dynamic vocalist.

[The Concert] April 26^th, 2008

These are musicians who have years of classical guitar training. The vox has a pretty impressive range, steady control and pure talent.

The bridge had perfect use of melodic phrasing; acoustic for the first part; and then a gradual build up. After the second refrain it became drum centric; then the electric guitar riffing and chugging power chords took over leading up to the solo, which was amazing. Finally, the resolution back to the acoustic lyrical end, the bridge and fade out was skillfully done.

The singer’s voice improved between the first and second songs. The 2^nd song, named “Bed Rock,” was your classic rock and roll sound but in a unique modern day way. The solo was amazing. Overall, I love this song despite the abrupt ending

The third song had on-again-off-again power drums. It was very blues-y, semi-country and totally electric. The lyrics were very country-esque, as in they had the twangy sound. The vocal control range improved again from the second song to the third one.

The 4^th song had acoustic guitar strumming intro; and then a transition; into tribal drums which made me think of New Orleans. The melody made me think of Jimmy Buffet. I also enjoyed the romantic lyrics that had soul. I actually really love his voice because of its uniqueness. The electric guitar solo and the riffing were amazing. I loved the guitar solo and how the drums perfectly enhanced the guitar.

The 5^th song was romantic. It had a post-country, happy-country vibe to it. It seemed to fit the definition of a country song. Between the plucking and strumming and entirely acoustic playing, I was really amazed at his skill. The first half is a country song then it transitions to an intense guitar soloing hard rock inspired. The drums backed it up, and the chord progression shows years of studying the classics.

Last song showcased the talent of all members. This is a band that has everything that you could ask for in a band. Singer/lead guitarist picks up the electric guitar. It has a blues-country sound and narrative lyrics. The vocal range was excellent and he maintained control. Drums were at their finest in this song.

When I observe a band, I look for whatever the band’s strongest point is and I focus in on that (stage presence, vocal range/control of the lead, drums, guitarist, bassist, etc.) For Keith Kenny, I could not separate between the guitar and the drums. I simultaneously love the guitar and the drums to the point I could not take my attention off of either one. Also, seeing the same person sing and then shift the focus to the guitar with the same skill between both (singing and playing) is what makes Keith Kenny amazing.

[The Interview] April 26^th, 2008: Keith Kenny

“My goal is not to get signed. My goal is to get people involved in the show and to grow and expand” —- Keith Kenny

What is the biggest challenge?

“You have to take it day by day… definitely a slow moving train… one step at a time” —- Keith Kenny

“Do it independently… if a label came and it was into the project…. That could work” —- Keith Kenny

What has been the biggest reward?

“Playing for an enthusiastic audience, and when they sing along to songs you wrote” —- Keith Kenny

Have you been on tour?

“No, but I did a show in California- Nann show- huge convention for musical merchants” —- Keith Kenny

Any advice for new bands?

“Don’t do it [laughs]… Do it for the right reasons. If you really feel like you have something special, it should be out there. Try to have fun. Don’t get involved in the competition that happens between musicians. Do it for the music” —- Keith Kenny

[The Bottom Line]

The music is electric rock instrumentation, blues influences, mild rhythmic syncopation, demanding instrumental part writing, mixed minor and major key tonality. If I was a scout for a music company or label this is who I would sign. This is a band that I would go on tour with so that I could hear everyone of their songs 20 times in 20 different cities, and all of their sound checks and practice sessions— regardless of the jet lag and travel sores that I would incur— just so that I could enjoy every second of their music. On June 14^th their first CD will be released and reviewed in another blog post. To be continued….

—leigh silbernagel, 26 May 2008