Lead Kalimba-Kevin Spears, Bass-K. Spears, Percussion-K.L. Spears, Synth-Spears K., Rhythm Guitar-Kevin S. Drums-You know who, KLS.
Influences
Earth,Wind and Fire, Marcus Miller, Miles Davis, Al Dimeola, Paco De Lucia, Earl Klugh, George Benson, John Patitucci, Kirk Whalum, John Lee Hooker, Fourplay.
Under a blazing August sun, the river of life birthed a child filled with a peculiar mix of purpose and destiny. However, quickly and abruptly, eight minutes after being born, this child still unnamed stopped breathing.
As life seeped away from it’s body, physicians worked frantically and mother prayed to the presenter and sustainer of life and as mother prayed, physicians did everything they knew how. After laying lifeless on the table one minute went by, two minutes gone, three minutes nearly complete, thoughts coursed through the mind of the attendants “That’s it, let him go”, mother praying! Looking back on this painful experience, one question begs to be asked “Did three minutes signify three days?” From the time of this tragedy it has remained true that on the far side of the three minute mark, by the hand of God signs of life began to reappear in this child, breathing, crying, kicking, why? Mother praying and he was named Kevin Spears.
During the winter of 1975, the gift of music became a tool of deep expression and solace when he requested no begged his mother to buy him that exotic musical instrument he heard Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire play which is called Kalimba. One Christmas Day he received his first Kalimba and thereafter he would lock himself in his room for four to five hours at a time to commune with this instrument. Kevin recalls “When I picked up the Kalimba for the first time, I tearfully knew in my heart of hearts that this instrument was a gift from God and that He had many things for me to do in my life musically and that the Kalimba signify’s the unique calling placed on my life.”
Drawing from many musical influences from around the world including Jazz, Blues, and Flamenco, Kevin uniquely mixes these styles into a musical experience all his own. His music bridges Africa to America from Jazz to Rock with a powerful infusion of spirituality due to his deeply personal relationship with God and soul brother 1 Jesus Christ.
After his live performances you hear things like “I’ve never seen anything like it” “He’s like Michael Jordan on Kalimba” or “His music and his demeanor help you to go to a place within where you feel closer to God.” To witness a live performance, you hear and feel echoes of Africa, Duke Ellington, Hendrix and Hip Hop. It leaves you asking “How can so much music come from one man on what seems like a simple instrument, he sounds like a 4 or 5 piece band.” Kevin’s gift on the Kalimba revolutionizes what can be done on this instrument. He states “Even for what I’ve been blessed to do on this instrument, I could spend another lifetime learning about it, yet I must be humble and continually express my gratefulness to God for the life I’ve lived and to play what I play.”
Kevin has performed around the country from Washington D.C. to Anchorage Alaska, and has opened for Artists such as Pieces of a Dream, Chuck Loeb, Yonrico Scott (Derrick Trucks, Earl Klugh), Jeff Moser and Jhelisa Anderson (U.K.) In addition, he will be featured on the upcoming project by master percussionist Bill Summers (Herbie Hancock)
It is uniquely beautiful and inspiring to witness this artist who is one with his instrument!
Thanks so much for friendship... I appreciate to much... The Life of a man is made up of a series of dreams which write our history, as well as our children, who then start to write their own. I decided to continue writing mine as soon as I began to dream in early childhood. One doesn't need to stop the journey along the way. It is necessary to believe that the stars which light our way will never go out, and to continue to follow our dreams which inspire us in the most beautiful moments of our lives. If not, why is my star helping me to write so many fine melodies? I composed a suite for my dream, called " Melody for an Oscar", and I am convinced that one day someone will help me to reach for that Oscar in Hollywood, which I have always imagined in my dreams. No matter what, my dreams have enhanced my musical creativity, and for that I am thankful. Warmest regards,
What can I say? I went to Electro-Music 2008 to see some old friends and hear new music and instruments. I was blown away by Kevin and what he can do with the kalimba. It was only the 2nd day of 3 but Kevin takes the prize for the best show I saw. Nothing was going to top his show and nothing did. I saw lots of good shows but Kevin's was the best. Don't miss a show if you get a chance to see him. Thanks for sharing your wonderful gift of music at Electro-Music. Thanks for the add too. Robert
Just stoppin by to send some love to those who are special to me. Hope all is well with you. Give me a call let me know where you will be next? Take care and be bless!
Hi Kevin :-) Love your unique gift!! I’m glad you stopped by and shared some of your time with me. Hope you heard something from my new CD that you could enjoy!! Have a lovely evening.
Hi Kevin! I hope this note finds you well! I guess you can tell I'm not a MySpace user--I had to create a profile and submit a friend request just to post a comment!!
Anyway, I was so excited to see you at STIR a few weeks ago and wanted to let you know how much I admire your work and your music. It's SO AMAZING the way you have brought this traditional W. African instrument into modern context without sacrificing its historical or cultural integrity. Personally, I prefer the more traditional pieces, so I like your "Soothing and Ancient" CD best. I think "Soar" is my favorite, although I love "King David's Groove" as well, both the original and the "Jazz Groove." I also like "A Mother's Love," "Faithful," and "River's Edge," and "Flight of the Flamingo" and "Eden" from the other CD. Well, I like all your music, but those are the pieces I found particularly moving. As a musician, music educator, and arts advocate, I believe that innovation like yours is what we need to get and keep kids interested in REAL MUSIC and to keep LIVE MUSIC relevant in our digitized world!
BTW...I'm sorry I missed you before I left ATL, but please do let me know if you decide to perform in Gainesville, or anywhere in the vicinity--Jackonsonville, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Augustine are all within driving distance! Also, I mentioned your work to the Jim-Ree African American Museum, Inc. in my hometown, and we would love to bring your act to Elberton, GA, possibly during our Black History Month series or Juneteenth Festival next year!
Kevin - very interesting music that you've got here, I'm glad to run across it. I've only heard the Kalimba in some West African contexts, but I love what you're doing here. It fits so well with contemporary music - well done! Thanks for finding LJC here, we appreciate the support. Stop by The Latin Jazz Corner and check it out, I'm sure that you'll find something you like! Hope to hear from you so
