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Kevin Witt

Kevin Witt is an Austin-based jazz drummer, educator, and storyteller. A former NYC student of Peter Retzlaff (Manhattan School of Music), Jimmy Cobb (Miles Davis), and Cindy Blackman (Santana), Kevin relocated from NYC to Austin in 2007, where he has since performed with respected jazz artists locally and in Nashville. He co-founded the trio 3jazz, producing two albums and launching a spoken word series known for its boundary-pushing ethos.

Kevin’s current passion is leading the B-side Quartet, a project dedicated to hard bop, lesser-known gems, and storytelling through historical narrative and samples. He also teaches What Is Jazz? Sounds of History, Culture, and Influence at Rutgers University, a course that blends music, storytelling, and historical context to illuminate jazz’s social and cultural impact.

Gear

Sonor Delites

18x14 Bass

12x8 Tom

14x14 Floor Tom

14x6 Hilite Snare

Cymbals

22 Constantinople Med Thin Ride

20 K Cluster Crash/Ride

14 A Hihats

Sticks

Vater

Electronics

SPDs PAD

Tags

The Austin Chronicle

After studying with veteran timekeepers Jimmy Cobb and Cindy Blackman in New York, drummer Kevin Witt hit Austin in 2006, establishing himself as one of the city’s best rhythm partners. He also leads the B-Side Quintet (or Quartet, depending on who shows up), a group so dedicated to the classic hard bop ethos they prefer to dig into the second sides of great albums, rather than stick with the traditional standards. Expect Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and their peers, but not necessarily the songs you expect. Witt’s current compadres: saxophonist Jerry Espinoza, guitarist Bruce Saunders, pianist Terry Bowness, and bassist Chris Maresh.
– Michael Toland