kelvin1348718

SEEKING

Band to Join, Accordion, Acoustic Guitar, Bagpipes, Banjo, Bass Guitar, Cello, Clarinet, DJ, Dobro, Drums, Electronic Music, Fiddle, Flute, Harmonica, Harp, Keyboard, Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Other, Other Percussion, Piano, Rhythm Guitar, Saxophone, Steel guitar, Trombone, Trumpet, Ukulele, Upright bass, Violin, Vocalist, Vocalist - Alto, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Soprano.

ABOUT

A Kansas native, Kelvin Ross was born and raised in Atchison, Kansas. After High School he attended Emporia State University to obtain a teacher’s degree in Music Education. At Emporia State he attended a Jazz Workshop hosted by Grammy Award winning jazz singer Dianne Reeves and jazz trumpeter Clark Terry. Kelvin was instantly impressed with Dianne Reeves and after talking with her, she suggested he come out to Beverly Hills, CA and work with producer Phil Moore (whom has worked with the likes of Aretha Franklin). Kelvin moved out to Hollywood, CA and worked with Phil Moore where he met and worked with upcoming and established artist such as Victoria Wilson James (Soul II Soul), Penny Ford, Tony Warren, Linda Green (Peaches & Herb), Linda Williams (Music Director for Natalie Cole, and taught Alicia Keys) just to name a few.

After working with Phil Moore, Kelvin landed a job singing background vocals for Al Jarreau, unfortunately his fear of flying limited his availability to work. Kelvin enjoyed living in Hollywood, CA so he then became the lead vocalist for “The Elements”, a popular local band in Hollywood, CA. With The Elements he was able to perform at the world famous Catalina Bar and Grill, Improv on Melrose and was one of the featured bands for the Gala at the Kodak Theatre, now known as the Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards are held. At this Gala he remembers a woman in the audience coming up to the stage and telling him “You need to move to Europe, they would love you”.
While in Hollywood, Kelvin caught the eye of Phil Taraz a local Musician and Producer from Germany. Kelvin worked with Taraz on a couple of recording projects until Taraz returned back to Germany to create his own band.
After living 7 years in Las Vegas Kelvin has returned to Kansas and lives in Topeka, KS. His musical heart is smooth jazz and soul music and as often as possible will perform at one of his favorite local Jazz Clubs. His smooth tone, and creative phrasing puts you in the mind of some of the unforgettable male vocalist that have influenced him such as Luther Vandross, Peobo Bryson, Donnie Hathaway and of course Al Jarreau.