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BRANDINO " Live " : In a living room filled with fifty people, generating a room temperature of about 90 degrees; a temperature not really conducive for any string instrument, Grammy Bassist “BRANDINOâ€, accompanied by pianist John Beasley and drummer Dale Alexander performed some astounding music filled with rhythm, soul, emotion, and spontaneity. As you will experience, this recording captures a live transcending spirit, which is often missing in this age of electronic and/or prefabbed music. Kevin Charles Brandon ( Brandino) was born in Compton, California to loving parents, and into a talented family who where from richly diverse musical cities of Chicago, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisiana. From birth he has congenital club feet and a hip displacement, but he did not allow this condition to deter him from pursuing his passion for music and the zest for life. He met Louis Armstrong at one of his concerts was also an inspiration in his early years. Kevin was self-taught at the tender age of 4, playing his sister's piano and at age 7 he took up his brother's saxophone, as he was gifted and enjoyed playing several instruments. When he was 9 his father suggested that he find a dedicated instrument of his own to play. Kevin wanted to play drums, however, his father thought with his handicap, eventually he would become discouraged. His older brother had a band and persuaded him to play electric bass because it was needed. Christmas of that year, Kevin received his first bass; a St George bass obtained from a local swap meet. His brother taught him the basic technique and playing position, and the Kevin took it from there.He listened to various musical styles from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Big Band swing, Classical, Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Rock. During that time there were no stereo systems, stereo sound, or digital technology, as we know it today. There were only records players and vinyl records. Many bass notes were difficult to hear, so Kevin put his ear over the record player as it played, to hear the bass notes for the songs he would play in his brothers band. At 13 years of age he began his formal musical training on the flute with Milton Hall from Watts,CA. acoustic bass began during this time with Mr. Hamilton also from Watts as well, which he continued through High School. At Pius the Tenth High School, Kevin learns to read music on both instruments respectively. The flute in treble clef and the bass in bass clef. He studied harmony, 20th century western music, Counterpoint, and took other music courses as well. In addition, he performed with the prestigious All-city Pico Rivera Stage Band, yielding him the experience, and understanding of the bass player's role in a big band. This band won numerous awards, and the Hollywood Bowl Competitions for 3 consecutive years. In this same band, Kevin received the Jazz Soloist Award at the Orange Coast College Jazz Band Competitions. After graduating from Pius the Tenth High School, Kevin earned a full scholarship to the University of Southern California; however, his love for jazz prompted him to forego the U S C Scholarship. Instead he opted to attend Cerritos and Long Beach Colleges, know for their jazz programs. Soon after, his desire to play professionally, and an opportunity to work with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, relocated Kevin to New York City. After his stint with Tommy Dorsey, he returned to Los Angeles, and also returned to his previous classical acoustic bass training, studying under renowned bassists: David Borkenhagen,Nathaniel Gangursky,Ami Porat,and was a protégé of Barry Lieberman from the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. While working in the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra, Kevin finished his education at the University of Long Beach, CA.As his career escalated, Kevin has become a premier bassist /producer on the music scene. Today, he has found great success working with many of the world's top recording artists, entertainers, Musicians, and is involved in myriad of events within the music, entertainment, television, multimedia, web designing and film industries.In 2004 the National Association of Recording Arts and Science double awarded him Grammy's for his musicianship and participation on the : "Album of the Year" and "Best Rap Album "of 2004 "OUTKAST". Moving into 2005, the Brandino flight is reaching even higher. Brandino returned to the studio to work on a variety of recording projects for such artists as Mary J. Blige (Geffen Records), Brandy (Atlantic Records), J1(Capital Records), Jamiroquai(Sony Records) and Jesse Mc Cartney (Hollywood Records).Two solo records - Brandino and Friends and Summertime - are also scheduled for release by the end of this year. For many decades, Brandino has worked within the television industry and his credits include two Emmy awards for his work as a composer for the daytime soap opera “Santa Barbara†in 1985 and 1986. He continued working in television throughout 2004,with the production of the 2004 TV Land Awards. His increasing visibility will be further enhanced when he is featured in upcoming advertisements and interviews for such companies as Warwick Basses 2006 (Germany),IK Multimedia 2006 (Italy), Markbass 2006( Italy),M- Audio 2006 (USA), Guitar One Magazine for Levy's Leather (Canada), Soundwear, BBE Sound, and Pedal Snake just to name a few. In 2005, Brandino was featured in a special interview in Chittare Magazine (Italy) as well.The release of the Brandino Bass - a 5-string Acoustic/Electric Upright bass - is really starting to open some eyes to the wonder of this phenomenal artist. Recently, Brandino completed a remarkable east coast tour with Broadway’s legendary Ben Vereen entitled “Ben Vereen Does Sammy Davis Big Bandâ€.An addition to his list this year was the Grammy Tribute Record release for Luther Vandross “So Amazing “duet with Beyonce and Stevie Wonder which gave Brandino a third Grammy for his participation, and new releases from Gladys Knight,Justin Timberland, and Nelly Furtado upcoming records. His latest release on N’ House Records is Milcho Leviev a legendary pianist from the Don Ellis Band. He has been Aretha Franklin's "The Queen of Soul" bassist over a 22-year period. Check out the artist's website: http://www.brandino.com Track List: 1. You Don't Know What Love Is 2. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing 3. Solo Flight 4. Smooth Jazz Can Really Hurt You 5. Reverie 6. Jimmy and Kev's Blues 7. Mandela 8. For the One I Love 9. Jimmy and Kev's Blues (vocal) Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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