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![]() To book BK Groove for your event, fill out our online form or contact us via phone, email or post. Artist Website: www.billykilson.com |
BK Groove
BK Groove is a musical melting pot. Their funky jazz fusion is a summation of the vast talents, experiences and influences from each individual band member. Their discographies include some of the most recognizable names in jazz today. As sidemen, they have toured all over the world, recorded with some of the top musicians, and received numerous accolades, rave reviews, nominations and awards (including one Grammy). So when they came together and began creating their own sound, it was no surprise that the music was diverse, original and inspired. Billy Kilson, drummer and leader of BK Groove, was exposed to jazz, funk and R&B at an early age. As a child, he listened to groups such as Sly and the Family Stone, Earth Wind and Fire and The Parliament and played drums to accompany their records. He was also exposed to a variety of genres through his father's massive recording collection consisting of music from Count Basie and Duke Ellington to Junior Walker and James Brown. After graduating from Berklee School of Music, Kilson toured with Donald Byrd, Ahmad Jamal, Dianne Reeves, Bob James, George Duke and many others. As one of the top drummers in jazz, he is frequently named near the top in Down Beat's reader's and critic's polls. Billy is also a member of the Dave Holland Quintet and recently won a Grammy for his work with the Dave Holland Big Band. Bassist Kenny Davis' career began by listening to great R&B artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Brothers Johnson and the Temptations. A self taught musician, he first discovered jazz at Northeastern University. His jazz influences include Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Jaco Pastorius and Verdin White. Davis' touring experience includes appearances with Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Art Farmer, Abbey Lincoln and Cassandra Wilson. In 1999, Davis was invited by Kevin Eubanks from "The Tonight Show" to join their band and was a regular on "The Tonight Show" for three years before returning to New York to tour, record and teach. Michael Sim, BK Groove's saxophonist, literally has a world of experience. He has lived in New York, Toronto, Montreal and parts of Europe. This gave him the opportunity to work with a variety of artists such as Phil Dwyer, Pat Collins, German organist Barbara Dennerlein, Dennis Chambers, Roy Hargrove and many others. Upon returning to the United States, Sim toured with Michael Franks, Mingus Big Band, and Lee Ritenour. He has made several original recordings as well as worked on other recordings and film soundtracks. While at Berklee College of music, Sim had the opportunity to perform with Clark Terry, Sonny Emory and Joe Williams. He has received the Boston Jazz Society award and received a merit award from Berklee. Henry Hey began playing classical piano at the age of four and trumpet at age twelve. This dual musical experience exposed him to a vast palette of solo and orchestral music. After studying at the University of North Texas he moved to New York and pursued a career in music. He has toured all over the world including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, The U.K., The Netherlands, The Czech Republic, Spain, France, Japan, Thailand, and Brazil. His touring and recording include work with jazz artists such as Till Broenner, saxophonist and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, as well as mainstream artists such as Rod Stewart Harry Belafonte. Other credits include work with P.M. Dawn, Taylor Dayne, Chuck Loeb, Dean Brown, and Blood Sweat and Tears. As BK Groove, they come together as seasoned musicians, reading each other like a favorite book, anticipating the next move perfectly, stepping out to solo at the perfect moment and keeping the groove going at all times. The quality of their musicianship is second to none. The uniqueness of their music will incite heads to bob and feet to dance. Whether on the road as a sideman or touring together as BK Groove, this band proves why they have some of the most enviable resumes in music. |