Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is a jazz vibraphonist, pianist and drummer from Central Illinois. His stylistically eclectic The Road to Everywhere was chosen as a 2005 recommended release by Laura Kennedy from WGLT who says, “Kevin Hart is a masterful musician—a generous artist with style, class and a forever sense of fun. His originals sparkle with innovation and cosmopolitan charm and as Axel F demonstrates, his choice of cover material reveals imagination and vision.” Latin-flavored Corazón was also a 2010 top ten pick by KXLU in Los Angeles.

Early on, Kevin played his father’s drums to jazz records, studied piano as required by his mother, imitated Lionel Hampton on an older sister’s vibraphone, and began drumming with local pros at 15. In college, Kevin received a Downbeat student award, was an outstanding performer at jazz festivals including Notre Dame, received an honorable mention in a Modern Drummer Neil Peart drum giveaway, and performed with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Ed Thigpen, Bob Berg, Bobby Shew, Rufus Reid, and Louis Bellson.

Kevin has worked with Bob Washut, Donnie Heitler, David Hoffman, Tom Marko, Jane Hartman, Sam Crain, Michael Kocour, Bobby Broom, Orbert Davis, Zach Broch, Ron Bridgewater, Jeff Helgesen, Jack McDuff, Steve Turre, Henry Butler, Jerry Bergonzi, Terell Stafford, Rufus Reid, Chris Vadala, and Ernie Watts. Kevin teaches at Illinois State University, Parkland College, and performs with Kevin Hart & the Vibe Tribe and the Kevin Hart Trio.

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