Milwaukee, WI (PRWE March 23, 2012

Not since the days of Miles Davis have we seen a more daring and
musically innovative jazz musician. With a prominent gospel background
and strong roots in hip hop and R&B, the vast amount of edgy and
experimental flavor found in Kevin Hayden’s music should come to no
surprise.

Kevin Hayden, nationally recognized jazz drummer, producer, arranger
and composer, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been a major force behind
the Milwaukee jazz scene since his move to the city in 2002. Having
accompanied some of Milwaukee’s most notable music acts to include
Street Life, the Evan Christian Quartet, Christopher’s Project, and the
Static Chicken, Kevin has emerged as one of the most exciting and
skillful drummers to witness in performance.

Five music projects released under his own name are proof that he
doesn’t just work in the background as a drummer. His latest iTunes
release, “Paris”, the trio’s sophomore project, is a true testament of
his skills beyond drumming, as he is also the executive producer.

The first half of the album is an undoubted highlight that features
tenor sax player Eric Schoor paying homage to the great Miles Davis in
the ever-so-soulful and funky version of “So What”. Then comes the hard
groove based “New Mason Street” featuring guitarist Darrien Williams
who comps and solos fearlessly while the kick, snare and bass hit hard
in the pocket. Later, the listener is captivated by the opening bass
line in an up-tempo version of the famous jazz standard, “How High the
Moon” where vocalist Camille Hunt is sweet and passionate in her
delivery. The title track, “Paris”, an original piece is the very
definition of musical bliss, producing plenty of heartwarming piano and
vocal melodies over an inviting bass line.

The second half of the album introduces you to the roar of thunder on
“Everything and Nothing (drum reprise)”, where Kevin lets his creative
juices flow into a time tricky and syncopated drum solo over a dark and
moody motif. The album then prepares to wind down with the smooth and
easy approach of “Poetry” in which complex dark chords and progressions
take precedence over a simple but thoughtful alto sax line. Finally,
the album closes with “Journey”, a soft and emotional ballad that lures
you in with sincere cultural based narration by Harrison D. Kern.

The trio consists of Terry Harris Jr. on piano along with younger
brother, Alan Harris on bass. They are both active players on Milwaukee
and Chicago’s music scene. Terry has been onboard the trio since it
started in October 2011 and Alan was recently invited the same year in
December.

Learn more about Kevin Hayden at http://www.kevinhayden.net.

Download Kevin Hayden Trio music at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paris/id512028509