“I met Robert at the beginning of his Hammond journey, and where that journey has taken him just amazes me. Everything about this CD delights me, especially the writing, Robert’s choice of players and the musical interplay among them, and most importantly, the development of Robert’s distinctive and uniquely melodic voice on the instrument, both as a player and composer. For me, Hammond players make the world a better place, and I am so glad Robert is doing his part! I hope he continues on this journey!” — Nancy Wright [saxophonist to B.B. King, Elvin Bishop, John Lee Hooker, etc.]
Robert Kennedy is a Hammond organist and pianist born and raised in the American South who has lived and worked in the San Francisco bay area since 1988. He played piano in the Stanford University Jazz Band and studied jazz piano with the great jazz pianist, band director, and educator Bill Bell.
Robert was a founding member of the groups Hip Pocket Jazz Quintet and Double Funk Crunch, and has had the pleasure of playing venues such as Yoshi’s, the Boom Boom Room, Doc’s Lab, the Agenda Lounge (back in the day), and the SFJAZZ Miner Auditorium, and has shared stages with renowned players such as Nancy Wright, Calvin Keys, Will Weston, Terrence Brewer, and many more, playing jazz, blues, R&B, and rock and roll.
On his 2015 release Big Shoes, he debuted as a leader playing Hammond B-3 organ, and his new album Closer to Home is set for release in January, 2018 .
Among his many inspirations Robert counts the playing of Jack McDuff, Billy Childs, Larry Goldings, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Monaco.
1. Wild Bill
2. Dat Dere
3. Robert's Reflection
4. Come On, Come In
5. Do You Know a Good Thing (When You See One)?
6. Sista Rissy
7. Rakin' and Scrapin'
8. Carrot Cake
9. Sandu
10. Alligator Strut
Hammond B-3 Organ: Robert Kennedy
Guitar: Terrence Brewer
Tenor Saxophone: Ben Torres
Drums: Cody Rhodes
