Kenny Wright

Bass guitarist/composer Kenny Wright got his start in the music business in 1968 as his singing in his high school gym shower attracted the attention of some local R&B musicians in his native Baltimore, MD. His stint as a vocalist didn't last long after a brief, but significant, introduction to the warm sound of the bass guitar.

Within two years, he became a competent bass guitarist and songwriter, leading bands in his hometown, often composing all of the music himself. In 1974, Kenny migrated to the San Francisco Bay Area. There he performed with the Bay Area powerhouse, Don and the Sunsets. The Sunsets opened for acts such as The Whisperers and Graham Central Station. After his stint with the Sunsets, he joined jazz violinist Michael White in 1977 for a memorable tour of Africa, where they met and backed Stevie Wonder at Nigerian Festival '77.

In 1993, Kenny self-produced a solo CD. Entitled Fresh Focus, this CD received massive air play in his native Baltimore/Washington region. Soon DMX cable got hold of Fresh Focus, and it began getting national exposure as well. In 1995, the release of Comin' At Ya proved that Fresh Focus was not a fluke, as it reached heavy rotation all over the country.

Recently, Kenny and his backup band, Fresh Groove, have been busy opening for such acts as Gladys Knight, Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, and others. Kenny and the band have also been featured on the Bet on Jazz Network where they have been recognized as cutting edge musicians.

The release of his latest CD, Bottle of Wine, promises to bring Kenny Wright and Fresh Groove to the forefront of the contemporary jazz scene.