Kenny Poole Bio

Mr. Poole took up guitar at 14 years of age after hearing Chet Atkins’ album "Fingerstyle Guitar, and thinking to himself, "If this is possible, I want to do it." He became exposed to jazz and Brazilian music a few years later and fell in love with both.

Kenny was working professionally as a musician by 1966 and has extensive experience in recording studios, TV & radio, jazz concerts, and countless "gigs." He has been written up in many periodicals from Billboard to Guitar Player and all stops in between.

He has had the privilege of performing with such greats as Goove Holmes, Jack McDuff, Mark Murphy, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Raney, Mundell Lowe, Tal Farlow, Cal Collins, Joe Pass, Howard Alden, Jimmy Bruno, Jack Wilkins, Mark Elf and others…..Main influences on Kenny’s career include George Van Eps, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Jimmy Raney, Jim Hall, and Brazilian singer-guitarist Joao Gilberto.

Mr. Poole currently resides in the Cincinnati, Ohio area and has three CDs our on J-Curve Label: "East Meets West" – a duo with Gene Bertoncini, "Su’s Four" – a duo with Cal Collins, and "For George" – a tribute to the great late George Van Eps, who was a friend and mentor for many years. More recordings are in the makings.

Kenny passed away subsequent to this writing: Friday, May 27th, 2006 (Kenny's Memorial)

Kenny Poole Hot Links:

OFGC "Kenny Poole Lounge Act" Review

Audio clip of Kenny playing "How About You"

Audio clip of Kenny playing with clarinet player - Tom Schofield - "The Song is You"

Interview with Cincinatti Jazz Magazine

"Sound Bites" from Buscarrino Guitar

"Tribute to George (VanEpps)" Album Review

J Curve Record reviews "East Meets West" Album

Cincinnati's Best of Blues Article, mentioning Kenny

City (Cincinnati) Beat Article - Katie Laur

Kenny Mentioned in Lesson by John Stowell

History of the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cinci - mentions Kenny