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Kenny Brooks

Kenny Brooks was inspired to play reed instruments from the age of 9. After graduating

from El Cerrito H.S. in 1984 at age 17 he went directly to the New England Conservatory where he

studied under renowned saxophonist George Garzone. His work in the Bay Area in the 90’s includ-

ed Eddie Marshall’s band, Charlie Hunter and his own group Alphabet Soup with pianist Dred Scott

and drummer Jay Lane.

The year 2000 was Brooks’ first year playing with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead in his band

RatDog, a gig that would last a decade and a musical association that endures to this day. In 2007

Brooks moved to New York City and began playing in the great jazz clubs like Smalls, the 55 Bar,

the Cornelia St. Cafe, Smoke and many others.

Brooks has produced a series of transcription books for saxophone, focusing on players

like Coltrane, Bob Berg, Joe Henderson, Steve Grossman etc. He currently teaches out of his stu-

dio in the NYC area and also online. Find out more at www.kennybrooks.com

Charlie Hunter Quartet: Natty Dread

Read "Natty Dread" reviewed by Douglas Payne

by Douglas Payne
May 1, 1997

From the surprisingly successful Blue Note Cover Series comes this exceptional disc by multi-talented eight-string guitarist Charlie Hunter. The 29-year old Hunter has made a thankfully unpredictable choice “covering" Bob Marley's influential and popular 1974 reggae classic Natty Dread. Hunter, heard here in a quartet with an alto, tenor sax and drums, resists the urge toward reverential readings and reggae clichés in this music. As a result, the soulful beauty of Marley's outstanding music shines through. Anyone familiar with Hunter's ...

Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

I am available for lessons to all levels of saxophone, jazz theory and improvising. I teach in Brooklyn, and also via email. Focusing on post-Coltrane style linear improvising and also "Grateful Dead" style improvising based on my decade of work with Bob Weir(Grateful Dead). Lesson plans are created for students with materials I will prepare and provide.