Kevin Hunt
and Associated Artists
Wednesday 23 July, 7.30pm
During his school years Kevin received piano tuition from his father Ellis Hunt and followed his brothers’ footsteps by playing brass instruments in the school brass band, under the direction of Keith Kellett.
Kevin played in various rock-dance bands, again following in his brothers’ footsteps. He also played in professional rock bands, in hotels around Sydney. Music eventually became Kevin’s full-time lifestyle in 1980 when he toured with Ross Ryan and began jazz piano tuition with Chuck Yates and David Levy.
In 1981, Kevin was accepted into the Jazz Studies Diploma course at the NSW Conservatorium in Sydney. This was the beginning of a new musical life for Kevin, where everyday he’d be playing jazz piano with fellow students, under the direction of Don Burrows, Paul McNamara, Roger Frampton, Judy Bailey, George Golla and Dick Montz. The atmosphere of learning from this faculty has stayed with Kevin throughout his professional career.
During this time, Kevin was also a member of The Northside Big Band under the direction of John Speight. This is where Kevin began his playing association with James Morrison, and for the next five years Kevin recorded and performed with James regularly. Also in 1982, Kevin joined the Daly Wilson Big Band for their final twelve months together.
Kevin continued to perform with many artists in Australia and overseas, and also studying 20th century composition at the Conservatorium until, when in 1995, he was invited to join Don Burrows as his full-time pianist. Kevin is constantly travelling with Don, performing and teaching all over Australia and occasionally overseas.
The other main interests of Kevin’s musical life are the ensembles he leads and the concerts
he produces. He is active with these four projects: ‘The JS Bach Trio ’— music of Johann
Sebastian Bach is rearranged and improvised by the jazz trio; ‘The Cocktails Trio’ —
swinging jazz trio music; ‘Tree’ — unique, contemporary trio music from acoustic to electronic
sounds; and ‘Ceremony’ — a special jazz concert of vocal and instrumental sacred music. In
each of these diverse areas of music, Kevin is able to produce workshops and recordings.
In 1998, the recording, Kevin Hunt Plays JS Bach was nominated for the Aria award for “Best Jazz Release”, and won the “ABC 24-Hours Listeners’ Choice Award for Best Jazz CD
Release of 1998”.
Also, in June 1999, Kevin was awarded the MO Award for “Jazz Instrumental Performer of the Year”.
Central to all this activity is Kevin’s jazz piano style which continues to evolve with many diverse musical influences, keeping his music fresh and inventive.
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