Friday Jazz at the High returns this week on December 17 and features jazz pianist Kenny Banks Jr.
Patrons will get to enjoy an evening of special curated music, by Banks, in two musical areas as detailed below:
Atrium
6–6:45 p.m., 7:10–7:55 p.m., 8:10–8:50 p.m.
Kenny Banks Jr. – Piano
Joe Powell – Bass
Larry Wilson – Drums
Orkin Terrace
6:15–7 p.m. and 7:40–8:30 p.m.
DJ – Keyboard
Pianist and Atlanta resident Kenny Banks Jr. has earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic jazz artists in the Southeast. Kenny was a finalist in the 2019 American Pianists Awards jazz competition. He performed to great acclaim in solo and trio formats, including alongside Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling.
Along with Kurt Elling, Kenny has traveled abroad performing and recording with a variety of artists, including, in the jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop scenes, Jennifer Holliday, David Sanchez, Dottie Peoples, Lil John Roberts, Jason Marsalis, Les Nubians, Darryl Reeves, Jazzmeia Horn, Theo Croker, Charlie Hunter, Russell Gunn, Dionne Farris, 8Ball & MJG, Christian Howes, Kim Burrell, The Baylor Project, Kenny Lattimore, Carmen Bradford, Mali Music, Queen Latifah, The Georgia Horns, and Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest.
Kenny is noted for his technique of blending jazz and gospel styles. DownBeat magazine has described his playing as “gospel and blues-infused” and called his arrangements “thrilling, modern and surprising.” JAZZIZ magazine noted his “deeply embodied gospel and soul roots” with “supple phrasing and effortless command of late 20th century harmony.”
CLICK HERE for tickets and more information.