organist/composer

Kyle Koehler

Press Kit June 2010

Biography

Kyle Koehler - Jazz Organist and Composer

“Koehler is a revelation on organ; a natural heir to the progres-sive tradition of Jimmy Smith and Larry young.” All About Jazz magazine

Originally from Philadelphia, a hot bed for jazz organ, Kyle grew up hearing and then playing with some of the jazz mas-ters (Shirley Scott, Charles Earland, Grover Washington, etc.). After receiving a degree in music performance and composi-tion, Kyle moved to New York City in the late 90s, where he has made quite a name for himself. Besides leading his own trio, he has performed with some of the top names in jazz ‚ÄîLou Don-aldson, David “Fathead” Newman, Bobby Watson and Jimmy Heath. He has been on numerous recordings and recently com-pleted two tours of Japan, promoting his critically acclaimed CD “EXIT 13” with drummer Sylvia Cuenca and guitarist Dave Stryker. Music from “EXIT 13” was featured on HBO’s “Sex In The City.”

Kyle was showcased on the NPR radio program Jazzset per-forming live from Birdland with the Don Braden Quartet.

In 2002, Kyle was chosen as a Jazz Ambassador to tour Africa on behalf of The Kennedy Center and US State Department. He has also led master classes on playing the Hammond B-3 at numerous colleges and jazz programs, such as the Berklee Col-lege of Music and the Tri-C Jazzfest (Cleveland).

Koehler has performed at many major festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, and the New-port Jazz Fest in Madarao (Japan). Kyle is regularly featured on radio and television programs throughout Japan, US, and Europe. He was profiled and interviewed in an issue of Japan’s Jazz Critic Magazine. This issue was entirely dedicated to jazz organ and featured interviews with Kyle Koehler, Joey DeFran-cesco, Jimmy McGriff and Reuben Wilson. He was also recently voted as a “Rising Star” in the Downbeat Critics Poll.

Kyle is very passionate and committed about keeping the jazz organ tradition alive. While playing, he pays homage to great organists, such as Larry Young, Jimmy Smith, and Don Patter-son, and yet maintains a strong musical voice all his own.

Kyle’s releases on Index Jazz

Kyle’s first Index Jazz album, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ features an amazing line up of young talent. Almost all the compositions are Kyle’s own.

For further info and booking, please contact John Tendy at info@indexjazz.com or e-mail Kyle.Koehler@indexjazz.com.

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