| Third
from left is world renowned bass master "Brandino"
who just returned from working with Marvin Hamlish
and the World Renowned Pittsburg Symphony performing
with the great "Ben Vereen" does Sammy
Davis to 4 soldout performances |
Biography
Brandino ( Kevin Charles Brandon )
Kevin was born in Compton, California to loving
parents, and into a talented family who where from richly
diverse musical cities of Chicago, Illinois and New Orleans,
Louisiana.
From birth he has congenital clubfeet and a
hip displacement, but he did not allow this condition to deter
him from pursuing his passion for music and the zest for life.
Meeting Louis Armstrong at one of his concerts was also an
inspiration in his early years...
Kevin was self-taught at the tender age of 4,
playing his sister's piano. and at age 7 he took up his Brother's
saxophone, as he was gifted and enjoyed playing several instruments.
When he was 9 his father suggested that he find a dedicated
instrument of his own to play.
Kevin wanted to play drums, however, his father
thought with his handicap, eventually he would become discouraged.
His older brother had a band and persuaded him to play electric
bass because it was needed.
Christmas of that year, Kevin received his first
bass; a St George bass obtained from a swap meet. His brother
taught him the basic technique and playing position, and the
Kevin took it from there.
He listened to various musical styles from Nat
King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Big Band swing, Classical, Rhythm
and Blues, Soul and Rock.
During that time there were no stereo systems,
stereo sound, or digital technology, as we know it today.
There were only record players and vinyl records. Many bass
notes were difficult to hear, so Kevin put his ear over the
record player as it played, to hear the bass notes for the
songs he would play in his brothers band.
At 13 years of age he began his formal musical
training on the flute with Milton Hall from Watts, CA. Acoustic
bass began during this time with Mr. Hamilton also from Watts
as well, which he continued through High School.
At Pius the Tenth High School, Kevin learns
to read music on both instruments respectively. The flute
in treble clef and the bass in bass clef. He studied harmony,
20th century western music, counterpoint, and took other music
courses as well. In addition, he performed with the prestigious
All-city Pico Rivera Stage Band, yielding him the experience,
and understanding of the bass player's role in a big band.
This band won numerous awards, and the Hollywood Bowl Competitions
for 3 consecutive years. In this same band, Kevin received
the Jazz Soloist Award at the Orange Coast College Jazz Band
Competitions.
After graduating from Pius the Tenth High School,
Kevin earned a full scholarship to the University of Southern
California; however, his love for jazz prompted him to forego
the USC Scholarship. Instead he opted to attend Cerritos and
Long Beach Colleges, know for their jazz programs.
Soon after, his desire to play professionally,
and an opportunity to work with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
relocated Kevin to New York City.
After his stint with Tommy Dorsey, he returned
to Los Angeles, and also returned to his previous classical
acoustic bass training, studding under renowned bassists:
David Borkenhagen, Nathaniel Gangursky, Ami Porat, and was
a protege of Barry Lieberman from the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Orchestra.
While working in the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra,
Kevin finished his education at the University Of Long Beach.
As his career escalated, Kevin has become a
premier bassist /producer on the music scene. Today, he has
found great success working with many of the world's top recording
artists, entertainers, musicians, and is involved in a myriad
of events within the music, entertainment, television, multimedia,
web designing and film industries. In 2004 he was awarded
by the National Association of Recording Arts and Science
double Grammy 's for his musicianship and participation on
the ”Album of the Year “ and “Best Rap Album
“ of 2004 “OUTKAST “.
THE BASS MASTER
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Burbank, CA
