Who’s this Kat?
Biography
Kenneth Brown II’s dedication to music began when reading The Trumpet and the Swan at 8 years old. Within its pages, a swan uses a trumpet to speak to others, and there should be no surprise that Brown uses his own music to give voice to his story. Having already obtained a B.A. in Music Performance from Morehouse College, specializing in Trumpet under the tutelage of Melvin Jones, Brown's educational journey has been marked by achievement. During his time at Morehouse, he showcased his musical prowess as a member of the House of Funk Marching Band, Symphonic Concert Band, and Jazz Orchestra, all under the esteemed direction of Dr. Chad E. Hughes. He recently graduated with a Master’s of Music in Trumpet Performance from UCLA under the guidance of esteemed mentors Jens Lindemann, Keyon Harrold, and Dan Rosenboom.
I first met Kenneth over five years ago while he was a student at the GRAMMY CAMP-Los Angeles. Since finishing high school and entering Morehouse College, he has matured as a musician while implementing valuable life experiences that will indeed enhance his journey through life. I have been most impressed with his laser focus on creating a career in the music industry along with implementing viable performance opportunities to present jazz in the community.
~ Leslie Drayton (trumpeter and arranger: Earth Wind and Fire, Marvin Gaye [musical director], Gerald Wilson; Educator;) {as of February 2021}
History
Born in Inglewood California, Brown honed his skills as a member of the award-winning jazz bands and wind ensemble at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) in Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. Brown's talent has garnered recognition beyond the academic sphere. In 2018, his contributions were pivotal in Hamilton's Jazz Ensemble A, propelling them to become finalists at the prestigious Monterey Next Generation Festival. The Grammy Foundation acknowledged Brown's exceptional abilities by selecting him as a "Grammy Emerging Artist" in 2016 and 2017. Moreover, he earned a place in the Monk Institute/LAUSD's esteemed Beyond the Bell All-City Jazz Big Band in 2018. California, Brown honed his skills as a member of the award-winning jazz bands and wind ensemble at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) at
“I have known Kenneth since he was a young boy. As a young man, he has matured into a courageous, responsible, and talented individual. I have worked with jazz greats such as Kamasi Washington, Esperanza Spaulding, Hank Jones, and many others. No doubt there is a very bright future for Kenneth.”
~ Lyndon Rochelle (Drummer: Hank Jones, Robin Thicke, Esperanza Spalding, Kamasi Washington)
Leader
In 2020, amidst the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown embarked on creating the Front Yard Groove (FYG) series. This initiative involved organizing socially-distanced concerts in the front yards of residences throughout Inglewood and Los Angeles. Brown and his band, The Kenneth Brown Collective, were the first to perform during the pandemic at the historic Miracle Theater in Inglewood, alongside musical curator and saxophonist Danny Janklow. His remarkable contributions have been acknowledged through the receipt of the California Legislative Black Caucus Frederick M. Roberts Scholarship and the Spirit of the Dream award from the I Have A Dream Foundation. Brown's talent as a guest artist was showcased in YOLA's National at Home's inaugural session with Classically Black, where he represented Morehouse College and all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He was also featured in Variations, a production directed by Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange), and his story was highlighted in a 2020 edition of LA Voyage Magazine.
“Kenneth is a promising young trumpet player and bandleader. He has shown devotion to his trumpet facility and melodic improvising sensibility and has a strong full tone.”
~ Danny Janklow
Collaborator
Throughout his career, Brown has had the privilege of collaborating with world-renowned musicians, artists, and entertainers. Notable figures include Chloe x Halle, Master P, Lil Duval, Ms. Andra Day, Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Hubert Laws, Ronnie Laws, Alphonso Johnson, Dontae Winslow, South Side Symphony, and esteemed members of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. His performances have graced esteemed stages such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Royce Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Wilshire Ebell Theater, LA Live's Club Nokia, and Staples Center. Brown's talents were showcased on prominent platforms, including the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards alongside Roddy Ricch in 2021, the Ellen Show alongside Kelly Rowland, the Season 22 finale of The Voice with John Legend, and the Season 23 Finale. Brown’s work has even involved collaboration across other artistic mediums, such as his writing music for a short film Deserve, which premiered at the Indie Nights Film Festival and the Silicon Beach Film Festival. This film also received an international selection at the AIMAFF Festival in Athens and the Brazil International Film Festival.
Musicians are not born; only the love of the challenge to master it. Ken has accepted the challenge to walk with musical giants as he is now becoming one with his trumpet and a giant with creativity.
~ Rickey Washington (Woodwinds, Music Educator, Father of Kamasi Washington)
Mentor
Driven by his passion for music, Brown aspires to continue performing, touring, composing/arranging, and recording alongside the most established artists in the music industry. He aims to positively impact his community by assisting both young and old individuals with developmental differences in pursuing their career aspirations within the music industry. Brown's musical journey recently inspired his debut album, "The Rise," which is available for streaming on all major platforms.