Sean J. Kennedy

What They're Saying...
"Your drumming sounds like it should, it swings!"
– Dave Brubeck

"Very soulful..."
– Will Lee

"Organic grooves with a great feel. You're going to swear Sean grew up around the Mississippi Delta."
– DrummerCafe.com

"Creatively new, but built on solid foundations of traditional jazz."
– Jazzreview.com

A Voice in Jazz Drumming
Sean J. Kennedy is an accomplished jazz drummer, composer, and educator whose distinctive sound blends tradition with innovation. Known for his soulful playing and impeccable swing, Kennedy’s career spans over three decades of performing and recording across the jazz world. His work as the leader of The Sean J. Kennedy Quartet has garnered critical acclaim for its fusion of classic jazz influences and modern interpretations. Albums like Road to Wailea (2004), Queen Anne's Revenge (featuring Bob Mintzer) (2007), and Hey! Where’s My Tux?! (2013) showcase his versatility, combining intricate rhythms with deeply rooted jazz sensibilities.

Collaborations with Jazz Legends
Kennedy has collaborated with jazz greats such as Bob Mintzer, Larry McKenna and drummer Liberty DeVitto, lending his dynamic drumming to projects like Queen Anne’s Revenge. He is the creator of The Rolling Buzzards Brigade, a unique project that merges rudimental drumming with modern jazz, featuring world-class artists like Clayton Cameron, Bernie Dresel, and Dame Evelyn Glennie. His 2020 album The Downfall of Paris exemplifies Kennedy’s ability to push the boundaries of drumming while respecting its rich traditions.

Performances & Influence
Kennedy’s performances have spanned both intimate jazz clubs and iconic concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and Lincoln Center. His experience ranges from small-group jazz ensembles to large orchestras, having performed with the Philly POPS! Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. A regular on the live circuit, Kennedy also performs, records and tours with The Gardyn Jazz Orchestra and The Doc Severinsen Tribute Band and has played with artists across various genres, including Il Volo, Roger Daltrey (The Who), Warren Haynes and Lindsey Stirling.

Classical & Jazz Fusion
Though rooted in jazz, Kennedy’s versatility extends to classical music, having contributed to projects such as The Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale’s albums and appearing on The Allentown Band’s Our Band Heritage series. His work continues to bridge the gap between jazz and classical, drawing praise for the way his drumming speaks to both traditions while forging new pathways.

Educational Contributions
An advocate for the future of jazz drumming, Kennedy is an educator at Arcadia University and in various school districts in Pennsylvania. He has shared his knowledge at numerous jazz and percussion conferences, including PASIC and NAMM, and delivered a TEDx Talk, "Happy Accidents: Drumming Up Serendipity," about the evolution of the drum set in jazz. Kennedy is also a co-author of Camp Jam: Rock Solid Drums and I Used to Play Drums, a guide to reigniting a passion for drumming, written with Liberty DeVitto.

Gardyn Jazz Orchestra: Vinyl Brews

Read "Vinyl Brews" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
December 10, 2024

Alto saxophonist Jon C. Gardner not only leads the piquant and powerful Philadelphia-based Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, he also wrote and arranged every song on Vinyl Brews, an in-concert performance recorded in December 2023 at Chris' Jazz Café in the City of Brotherly Love. There are half a dozen tunes in all, three of which are presented a second time as alternate takes. The album's rather unusual title denotes the fact that every one of Gardner's impressive charts, he writes, “has ...

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Album Review

Sean J Kennedy Quartet: Queen Anne's Revenge

Read "Queen Anne's Revenge" reviewed by Larry Geiger

by Larry Geiger
June 8, 2007

Queen Anne's Revenge, according to the well-written liner notes, refers to the stolen ship that Blackbeard used to plunder the Caribbean in the early eighteenth century. It was eventually consumed by the sea, showing that good can triumph over evil. Like those epic battles for survival on the high seas of yore, the title track pits drummers Liberty DeVito and Sean Kennedy against each other in a modern musical re-creation of battle.

Kennedy's energy and talent as a ...

"I really enjoyed drummer and composer Sean Kennedy's new CD "Road to Wailea" His compositions are highly enjoyable! The compositions Sean wrote for members of his family I found most enjoyable and being a family man myself can identify with the sentiment found in each of the compositions. Whether it's a straight ahead rhythm, Latin beat or Funk groove, drummer and composer Sean Kennedy and the fine musicians on this CD take you on a great musical journey as they travel down the "Road to Wailea!" -Eric Mintel, The Eric Mintel Quartet "...got the CD and it sounds great

Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

Philadelphia

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Sean J. Kennedy is a passionate and highly regarded educator known for his dynamic teaching style that blends technical precision with creative expression. With over two decades of experience, he has taught students of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Kennedy's approach emphasizes a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary drumming techniques, while fostering a deep understanding of rhythm and musicality. He is dedicated to inspiring students to find their own unique voice on the drums, integrating jazz, rock, and classical elements into his lessons. Kennedy teachers at institutions like Arcadia University and in various school districts, and he is a sought-after speaker and clinician at events like PASIC and NAMM. His educational books, Camp Jam: Rock Solid Drums and I Used to Play Drums (co-authored with Liberty DeVitto), reflect his commitment to making drumming accessible and engaging for all learners.

Clinic/Workshop Information

Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

Philadelphia

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Sean J. Kennedy is a passionate and highly regarded educator known for his dynamic teaching style that blends technical precision with creative expression. With over two decades of experience, he has taught students of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Kennedy's approach emphasizes a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary drumming techniques, while fostering a deep understanding of rhythm and musicality. He is dedicated to inspiring students to find their own unique voice on the drums, integrating jazz, rock, and classical elements into his lessons. Kennedy teachers at institutions like Arcadia University and in various school districts, and he is a sought-after speaker and clinician at events like PASIC and NAMM. His educational books, Camp Jam: Rock Solid Drums and I Used to Play Drums (co-authored with Liberty DeVitto), reflect his commitment to making drumming accessible and engaging for all learners.

Clinic/Workshop Information

TEDx Wilmington | Wilmington, Delaware (2018)
Happy Accidents: Drumming Up Serendipity
Sean J. Kennedy explored how serendipity and “happy accidents” can shape our lives and musical journey, sharing unexpected moments that sparked creativity and change.

Panel Moderator | NAMM/GenNext/College Music Society | Anaheim, California (2017)
Winter NAMM Show - Featuring Sean J. Kennedy, Gordon Goodwin, Clayton Cameron, and Mark Amentt.
Sean moderated an all-star panel discussing how industry professionals overcome mental walls and obstacles to success. Kennedy shared his personal story about being fired from a wedding band in 2002, an event that pushed him to leave his comfort zone, start his own group, and embrace new opportunities as a performer, composer, teacher, and author. The panel explored life-changing moments, positive attitudes, and relentless work ethics, offering insights on building a personal brand, fostering professional relationships, and maintaining a social media presence.

Producer and Host | Backstage at The Enharmonic Podcast (2016 - Present)
Produced and hosted by Sean J. Kennedy, featuring conversations with industry legends like Hal Blaine, Dame Evelyn Glennie, and Julian Bliss.

Master Classes on Percussion and Drum Set Practice (1995 - Present)
Sean J. Kennedy has led master classes across the U.S., covering drumming techniques and performance practices for all skill levels.

Orchestrating Your Dream Gig: How to Get a Drumset Gig with an Orchestra and Get Called Back Again! | PASIC (2024)
At PASIC 2024, Sean J. Kennedy shared his experiences navigating both orchestral and commercial music worlds. He discussed the importance of versatility, networking, and building a broad skill set, offering practical strategies for aspiring drummers, such as effective sight-reading and communication.

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