From country to jazz:
Kevin West - Story Of My Life
(Independent / 15 June 2019)
• Check him out on Spotify
Los Angeles based Kevin West calls himself a "throwback singer-songwriter" - although he's had a busy career for a self-described anachronism.
What he does specialize in is solid songwriting in a variety of modes from country to jazz. Best of Mine definitely has the flavour of a vintage anthem, with a driving country drum beat underneath layers of guitar, organ, and vocals in harmony. His vocals are expressive with a raspy edge perfect for the music.
As a songwriter, his lyrics are personal and intimate. From One Too Many,
I woke up this afternoon, I rubbed my eyes,
I tried to wipe the cobwebs from another late night.
I don't know what time it was when I got to bed;
I don't know who this girl is that I'm lying here with...
Ah, the life of a rock star. My Only Sunshine is pure uptempo country, while Sweet Innocence takes it more slowly in a ballad. Harmony vocals by Whitney Hanna flesh out his raspy tenor for a softer effect.
Story Of My Life takes a jazzy approach, with trombone, golden guitar licks, and a languid tempo, with reflective personal lyrics about his life in music. Not For Nothin' is a jazz instrumental track, with some nice solo work on the guitar and organ.
Kevin West was the 1st prize winner of American Songwriter Magazine's lyric contest in July/August 2006. Along with playing music for a living, Kevin has done countless performances and hands on volunteer work for many low country charities to include, Communities in Schools, My Sisters House, Happy Days And Special Times, North Charleston Juvenile Detention Center, Make A Wish Foundation, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and "COURAGEOUS KIDZ".
1. Best Of Mine
2. One Too Many
3. My Only Sunshine
4. Sweet Innocence
5. Story Of My Life
6. Not For Nothin
Personnel:
Kevin West: Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars; Markus Helander: Drums; Brett Belanger: Electric and Acoustic Bass; Whitt Algar: Piano and Keyboard; Jeff Caldwell: Electric Guitar; Whitney Hanna: Vocals; Steven Sandifer: Percussion' Quentin E. Baxter: Drums; Kevin Hamilton: Bass; Lee Barbour: Electric Guitar; Charlton Singleton: Trumpet; Mark Sterbank: Saxophone; Jonathan Lovett: Keyboard
Stay in touch:
https://www.facebook.com/KevinWestMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/kevinwestmusic/
https://www.kevinwestmusic.com/
https://twitter.com/kevinwestmusic
https://soundcloud.com/kevin-west-6
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCElrqTK84WVtX35iAmIvjtg?view_as=subscriber
Best of Mine:
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