Kenny Peagler - 100 Years of Strayhorn (2015)

Numerous musicians battle to procure their own particular character and identity, always acclimating like a chameleon in an endless journey to discover what fits. Then there are others that rise fully fledged; in full command of their craft, their sound, and their identity. Kenny Peagler fits immovably in the latter classification. He is a world class jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. His music is a mix of lyrical melodies, dense harmonies, fluid technique, and a rhythmic heartbeat that will take any listener on an eclectic and soulful musical excursion. Inspired by lyricism, technique, and soulful expression, Peagler delivers a sound that is rich in his inspirations while still defining his own voice. His artistic arsenal spans the spectrum of genres including jazz, classical, popular, rhythm and blues, and gospel with a raw and honest approach that delivers musical integrity filled with rich emotions.

His new album, 100 Years of Strayhorn is an enamoring solo piano work that showcases a significant musical talent. "This album, 100 Years of Strayhorn, is a celebration of Billy Strayhorn’s 100th birthday that contains my arrangements of some of my favorite Billy Strayhorn works in a wonderful tribute to a musical legend. His music has the ability to stir emotions while being harmonically and melodically complex."

““…he brings a wonderful energy and creativity as he performs the iconic compositions of Billy Strayhorn”

— Geri Allen (Pianist/Educator)

As a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kenny experienced childhood in a city with a strong jazz heritage, culture, and the origin of numerous influential jazz artists such as Ahmad Jamal, Erroll Garner, Mary Lou Williams, and Billy Strayhorn. Like many pianist, Kenny studied and performed classical works at a young age. While a student of the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, he began studying the language of jazz. Shortly thereafter, Kenny landed a position as the pianist and organist for a church. Playing both genres helped advance his ear for music, develop his harmonic palette, and demonstrated to him first hand the power that music can have in connecting the performer with the audience and the audience with each other.



The talents he developed from his understanding of a plethora of genres would open numerous doors for him around the world. While a student at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, he has performed many times at Boston's historic Jordan Hall. He has also been a performer at Carnegie Music Hall, The Blue Note, Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy, Village Underground, Oslo Konserthus in Norway, Nokia Theater, and Italy's legendary Umbria Winter Jazz Festival. In 2009, he performed for President Barack Obama at the NAACP Bicentennial Celebration, held in New York City and appeared as a pianist on the hit Middle Eastern reality television show, Yalla NY. Peagler was the musician for Source Magazine's "Source 360", held at the Barclays Center in New York City, featuring Lil' Kim, Wu-Tang Clan, and Tribe Called Quest. Throughout his career, he has performed with many musical icons and has performed at some of the best venues in the world.


While much of his piano playing has been in concert halls, on tours, and in churches, Kenny has also done quite a bit of studio recordings. He has played on six internationally released projects and has composed for countless artist including the sultry ballad "All I Want To Do", inspirational song, "He's My Everything", and as the arranger and pianist on the Aaron Myer's work, Leo Rising. Kenny's diversity as a pianist can also be heard on the album, Evermore, which featured the band Gemini and numerous notable guest, including jazz trumpeter, Sean Jones. His recent solo piano work, 100 Years of Strayhorn, features Peagler on an antique Steinway performing his arrangements of his favorite Strayhorn songs.

Tracklist:

01. Take the a Train
02. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing
03. Something to Live For
04. Lush Life
05. Star Crossed Lovers
06. Daydream
07. Chelsea Bridge
08. After All