Kent Jennings, Jazz Guitarist

Kent grew up in southern Virginia; an area known for its Hip-Hop artists (Teddy Riley, Missy Elliott, Pharell Williams, Timbaland) and professional athletes (Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, Bruce Smith) over its Jazz musicians. “I learned to play saxophone begining in the 5th grade and continued playing it throughout high school in the symphonic and Jazz bands. Man, there’s nothing like a big band sax section playing five-part harmony. That’s when I learned to swing! ” There were also jazz influences at home. He recalls hearing Thelonious Monk’s ‘Straight, No Chaser’, although Monk was too heavy for him at the time. “Even though I was playing Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington in high school, I was living James Brown and Sly Stone in the streets.”

Kent's mother encouraged his musical interests, and bought him an electric guitar, amplifier, and instructional books. He developed a good ear and could easily duplicate R&B guitar parts. “I guess I felt guitar was cooler than the sax at the time. On the other hand, I wasn’t hearing Byrd on the radio.” His talent continued to grow in college, having the opportunity to play Jazz with seasoned musicians. Along with a technical major, Kent also completed music theory classes. His goal was to get a degree, get a job, and let his job finance his musical aspirations. He understood at a relatively young age that dreams have to be grounded in reality. When asked if that plan worked? – “Well, I did get my degree, and I love where I am right now, so I would have to answer yes!”

After graduation, Kent moved around the country, living in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, and finally settling in Detroit in 1995. He continued his musical studies in Atlanta with Jacque Lesure, and Vaughn Klugh in Detroit. “I learned how much I didn’t know about Jazz: that improvisation is the real-time application of theory, not some mystical connection with the spirits of the greats. Jacque humbled me.” Vaughn, Earl Klugh’s cousin, taught Kent about chord substitutions and to play as a solo guitarist. Today, Kent’s solo versions of Misty, Autumn Leaves and The Christmas Song are frequently requested when he performs. He also does an unaccompanied Stevie Wonder medley that includes My Cherie Amour, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, and Superwoman.

Kent’s musical interests have progressed full circle. He now understands how Miles and B.B. King squeeze so much from a single note. “A groove can’t exist without silence – you don’t speak while inhaling, right!” He plays Monk and Coltrane, and performs multiple originals that reflect his influences and philosophy. “I couldn’t wait to let my ol’ man hear me play Straight, No Chaser, knowing that it was one of his favorites during a time when I didn’t have a clue.”

I hope you too get the opportunity to hear Kent perform songs written for piano, or trumpet, or sax, or even voice. His arrangements are cool, creative and contemporary. He mixes solo work with ensemble pieces, originals with standards, confirming there are bigger things to come for this emerging Jazz guitarist.