Pianist Walter Kemp 3 to Release New Project “Black Whole Live” on January 26th, 2024
Pianist/Composer Walter Kemp 3 to release new recording – Black Whole Live”
Release Date: January 26th, 2024
We invite you to take a seat in preparation for a sonic dose of musical brilliance. The Walter Kemp 3 International Superband Black Whole’s highly-anticipated first single is enjoying station play and offering tour-goers an unforgettably immersive sound experience. Mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington, this eclectic track experiments with diverse sonic exchanges and dynamic musical interplay. Pushing the boundaries of traditional instrumentals, the ensemble yields a sense of cosmic freewheeling. Kemp (piano, Rhodes, and Viscount organ), GRAMMY award-winning improvisational violinist Scott Tixier, maverick woodwind master Brent Birckhead on alto sax, clarinet and flute, bass prodigy Rishon Odel and Allan Mednard, a NYC fixture on the percussion scene, add tonal richness to the group’s deconstructivist musical approach. To be clear, Black Whole is an attention-grabbing ensemble that’s way ahead of its time. “Kemp leads “De Facto” in no uncertain terms. The 5-person unit locks tight, grabbing at the soulful fertility of the Earth below them; floor to the ether– It’s no wonder why the composition was selected to premiere the award-winning journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates’ literary debut at BABEL for The Water Dancer.”
About Walter Kemp 3
Viscount-endorsed artist, Walter Kemp 3 credits his musical legacy to his father, a classical and gospel composer, who sparked Kemp’s early interest in piano. Seeing and hearing his father’s compositions performed at Carnegie Hall, opened Kemp’s eyes to a world of music. He soon began studying classical piano. After a brief interest in drums, he gravitated toward jazz, continuing to play gospel organ. Lead composer/pianist for Black Whole, Kemp + the Reyvolation, and the Walter Kemp 3oh!, Kemp has won widespread critical acclaim for his compelling compositions, inventively exploring traditional chord progressions with unparalleled finesse. Recipient and winner of the highly-competitive Jazz Road Tours grant, he has collaborated with various musical legends, including the late Juini Booth and Rey Scott, of Sun-Ra’s Arkestra, as well as living legends like Bobby Militello, (Dave Brubeck), and Sabu Adeyola (Ahmad Jamal). As a highly-sought professional in the progressive music scene, Walter has served as Artistic Director for the Point9mile Collaborative, a partnership with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, and Artistic Director of the CMC International Jazz Festival. He teaches jazz studies at Villa Maria College.
Walter Kemp 3 – piano, rhodes, and viscount organ
Scott Tixier -violin
Brent Birckhead – alto sax, clarinet & flute
Rishon Odel – bass
Allan Mednard – drums
