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Kevin Van Sant

I play guitar in a variety of settings from solo to organ trio and a variety of other duo, trio and quartet configurations. I regularly perform all over North Carolina and elsewhere on the East Coast. I have also performed in Russia and throughout Europe. Performances in Europe include five times at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. As of summer 2008 I have released eleven CDs as a leader or co-leader.

I am available for any kind of sideman or studio work and, in addition to my established projects, I can assemble a variety of jazz ensembles to play at any public or private event anywhere in the world.

Gear

1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montomery

Evans and Acoustic Image amplifiers

Van Sant/Palmer Jazz Duo: Play the Music of Horace Silver

Read "Play the Music of Horace Silver" reviewed by Matthew Warnock

by Matthew Warnock
May 30, 2009

Guitarist Kevin Van Sant and bassist Ben Palmer come together on The Music of Horace Silver to deliver a soulful and meaningful tribute to the music of one of the greatest composers and pianists in jazz. It's apparent that both musicians hold Silver's music in the highest regard and this reverence is brought to light on each of the album's eleven tracks. The tunes selected come from a wide range of Silver's catalogue of recorded works. Favorites like “Strollin,'" “Peace" ...

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

I teach all levels of jazz guitar to any students who are serious and committed. Scheduling can be flexible if needed. My teaching approach is geared toward helping the student become comfortable and confident playing jazz and improvising. My lessons focus on making music and simplifying theory towards a musically useful understanding. A large component of our study will also deal with taking the mystery out of fretboard navigation. So if you want to learn how to develop jazz phrasing or easily play chord melodies or you feel you are ready to take your playing to the next level then I may be able to help you.