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 Kenwood Dennard was born in Brooklyn in 1956 to musician parents. He has created a unique, forceful, and seemingly ambidextrous drumming style that is daunting in its complexity. What’s more, Kenwood’s version of ambidexterity extends beyond the drums, wherein he actually delivers rhythm, harmony, and melody while sitting behind a drumkit augmented by keyboards and percussion. This is no novel “one-man show” but, rather, an expansion of the traditional role of drummer to include melodic improvisation, singing and street rapping. In fact, Kenwood is featured doing these things, playing drumkit with his right hand and feet while his left hand plays keys, on the DVD Drummers Collective 25 Anniversary produced by Hudson Music.
But Dennard’s expertise extends beyond solo performances—far beyond. A longtime collaborator with jazz/fusion artist Pat Martino, Kenwood’s agile and crisp performances can be heard on that guitarist’s signpost albums Joyous Lake and, more recently, Stone Blue. Both offer prime examples of Dennard’s command of the kit, his intensity, and his capacity to communicate musically. Another good example is Kenwood’s drumming on Sting’s version of “Little Wing” from the album Nothing Like the Sun, so satisfying in its feel, floating time, and creative ornamentations on hi-hat and snare drum.
A pianist at age three, Kenwood took up drums at age eight. In 1976 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music. He then headed to New York and became prominent on the scene, playing with the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter, John Scofield, Ray Barretto, Harry Belafonte, and Art Blakey. Some cite Kenwood’s work with Maceo Parker as definitive or perhaps Brand X, while others point to his work with the likes of George Clinton, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Luther Vandross, Grover Washington, and Joe Zawinul. To say the least, Kenwood Dennard has slipped transparently into incredibly diverse musical situations.
In 1997, Dennard moved to Boston and took advantage of the rich musical scene, playing with many more name artists. He also became a respected educator, joining Berklee College as a full-time associate professor. A good many of his students have gone on to starring roles. Examples include Billy Martin (Medesky, Martin and Wood), Richie Morales (Spyro Gyra), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (Branford Marsalis, The Jay Leno Show), Zac Alford (B-52s), Will Calhoun (Living Colour), and the late Tony Thompson, drummer for Chic and The Power Station.
Things have worked out well for Kenwood Dennard. His musical energies show no sign of flagging as he enters his fifties. LP is proud to count Kenwood Dennard, drummer, multi-percussionist, and rounded musician, as a member of our inner circle.
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