Kevin Spears ( KalimbaMan )

Background: Considered by many as one of the best kalimba players alive today, Kevin Spears musical gifts have astounded audiences around the world and rewritten what is possible on the exotic musical instrument called kalimba. Spears' blinding skill and musical creativity are often compared to innovative legends such as Herbie Hancock, Jimi Hendrix and Les Paul among others and his uncanny ability to play multiple musical and percussive ideas simultaneously in a live setting is iconic, pure and simple. For his unique playing style and groundbreaking work as a kalimba innovator, the largest kalimba distributor in the world honored Kevin by releasing the "Kevin Spears Style Kalimba", see: http://www.kalimbamagic.com/newsletters/newsletter7.01/kevinspears.shtml for details. In addition to being a gifted musical artist, inventor, instrument builder and mixed media artist, Spears performs internationally including a recent tour of Japan and has worked with and/or opened for artists such as: India Arie, Eric Benet, Victor Wooten, Count Mbutu of the Derek Trucks Band, Arrested Development, Steven Kent, Jeff Sipe, Toubab Krewe, Col. Bruce Hampton, Richard Smith (guitarist for Earth, Wind and Fire), Vinx, Mamadou Doumbia, Epizo Bangoura, Jhelisa Anderson, Moziak (of Fela Kuti Band) and Divinity (bassist for Beyonce). Drawing from many musical influences from around the world, Spears' uniquely mixes these styles into a mesmerizing and musical experience all his own. Such was the case as Kevin ended his rousing performance among music industry professionals at the 50th anniversary of the Percussive Arts Society International Convention receiving a standing ovation. Kevin Spears music bridges Africa to America from Jazz to Rock, Funk to Flamenco with a powerful infusion of spirituality. AfroPop Worldwide states:"Spears utilizes the traditional African instrument and tweaks it to create a soulful, funky sound that would make Stevie Wonder smile". http://blog.afropop.org/2010/09/kevin-kalimbaman-spears.html Eric Sands, Natl. Sales Mngr -ORANGE Amps USA: "To say Kevin "KalimbaMan" Spears is a master kalimba player would be an understatement. Kevin takes the kalimba to new realms by creating full, multi layered sonic soundscapes, complete with drums, bass lines, chords and melodies all played simultaneously with extreme beauty and precision". www.OrangeAmps.com "Kevin Spears is the Real Deal". -Mark Holdaway of KalimbaMagic.com. WEBPAGES: www.Facebook.com/KevSpears www.myspace.com/KevinSpears ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT: www.lafango.com/epk/KevinSpears VIDEO CLIPS: Youtube: www.Youtube.com/KalimbaMan Kalimba Jazz Funk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3BBAG1i5uw Kalimba Tribal World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8rr143KI-Q THE KEVIN SPEARS KALIMBA AND SANZA COLLECTION: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalimbacollection/sets/72157632924942712/

Interests: Uplifitng humanity through music.