Kevin Mahogany

Kevin Mahogany

Jazz singer Kevin Mahogany at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Jazz Festival, March 4, 2007
Background information
Born (1958-07-30) July 30, 1958
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Genres Jazz
Occupation(s) Vocalist
Website kevinmahogany.com

Kevin Mahogany (born July 30, 1958)[1] is an American jazz vocalist who became prominent in the 1990s. He is known for his scat singing,[2] and his singing style has been compared with jazz singers Joe Williams[3] and Johnny Hartman.[4]

Early years

Kevin Mahogany began his study of music as a child with piano and later learned to play the clarinet and baritone saxophone, performing with jazz bands and teaching music while still in high school. "When I was a kid, music was just as important as English and math in our household" says Mahogany. "In fact piano lessons were a grade school staple for the whole family."[5] Mahogany attended Baker University, where he performed with both instrumental and vocal ensembles and formed a vocal jazz group. In 1981, Mahogany received his BFA in Music and English Drama.

Performing

After graduation, he returned to Kansas City where he attracted a local following in the 1980s performing with his groups, "The Apollos" and "Mahogany." In 1991, he was featured on a CD by Frank Mantooth.[6]

His first CD release as a solo artist was Double Rainbow in 1993. This was followed by the self-titled album Kevin Mahogany, which won him his first critical acclaim in the media, prompting Newsweek to call Mahogany "the standout jazz vocalist of his generation."[7]

Mahogany appeared in Robert Altman's 1996 film Kansas City, playing a character said to be based on Kansas City singer Big Joe Turner.[8]

Kevin Mahogany lists his vocal influences as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Al Jarreau and Eddie Jefferson.[9] As a jazz educator, Mahogany has taught at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Miami.[10]

Discography

With Enja Records:

With Warner Bros.:

With Telarc:

With Jazz Empress

Under his own label, Mahogany Music:

With Elvin Jones

References

  1. ↑ "Kevin Mahogany biography". Richard De La Font Agency.
  2. ↑ Enja Records. "Kevin Mahogany biography".
  3. ↑ Yanow, Scott. "Kevin Mahogany". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  4. ↑ Dan Emerson. "Mahogany's tribute does justice to Kansas City jazz". Pioneer Press.
  5. ↑ "Minnesota State University Mankato Past JazzFest Events". Minnesota State University. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  6. ↑ Kevin Mahogany. "Kevin Mahogany biography".
  7. ↑ Kevin Mahogany. "Kevin Mahogany biography".
  8. ↑ "Kevin Mahogany". All About Jazz.
  9. ↑ Kevin Mahogany. "Kevin Mahogany biography".
  10. ↑ Jim Newsom. "Kevin Mahogany: An Independent Voice". Portfolio Weekly.

"Sensitive Side Is One of Many Mahogany Modes", January 25, 1999 by BILL KOHLHAASE http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jan/25/entertainment/ca-1451

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