Ken Lovern: Bio
Ken Lovern - Organist
Ken Lovern is the hammond organist and composer that drives the bus that is Ken Lovern's OJT. Ken was born in the Kansas City area on November 20, 1965, and he has been a professional musician most of his adult life. Even before graduating from the Conservatory of Music of the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1989, Ken went to work with Kansas City vocalist, Ida McBeth. Ken is currently playing music every chance he gets, especially when he gets to play Hammond organ.
Ken has performed with national jazz talents such as Les McCann, Kevin Mahogany, Cecil Payne, and Eric Alexander. Locally, Ken is busy promoting the OJT group and recording upcoming releases. Ken has also been the keyboard player in the outstanding band at Unity Church of Overland Park for over 9 years. Ken’s fanatical dedication to the Hammond organ helps him bring a warm supporting sound to any band.
Brian Baggett - Guitar
At 27 years old Brian Baggett is fast becoming one of the top jazz guitar
players in the area. Brian studied with trumpeter Chuck Tumlinson at Washburn University and privately with Rod Fleeman and Danny Embrey.
While appearing at area jazz festivals with his own groups, Brian has also played with artists like Bob Mintzer, Steve Houghton, Angela Hagenbach, Bobby Watson, Todd Strait, and Dan St. Marseille. He also contributed to Bill McKemy's 2 albums, Duende and OM Nidrah. In March of 2003 Brian was featured in Jazz Ambassador Magazine's "Guitars Galore" issue.
A guitar teacher for 10 years, Brian has been teaching some of the areas most promising jazz guitar players. He is in high demand as both a jazz guitarist and educator. He has been a guest artist/clinician at both Washburn University and Truman State University. This past summer, Brian gave two
jazz improvisation workshops at the Americana Music Academy.
In addition to playing jazz guitar, Brian led the fusion/rock band Einstein Electric. This critically acclaimed group played major music festivals throughout the Midwest. Einstein Electric also shared the bill with major acts like The Jerry Garcia Band and Galactic. Brian has played in a number of other fusion/funk groups including Pocket Space and The Yards. Just last year, Brian released his first solo album The Web, a rock opera that he
composed, performed and produced.
As well as working as a side man in several groups Brian is currently playing solo 7 string guitar, performing in Ken Lovern's B3 organ trio O.J.T. and leading his own fusion trio DOJO.
Kevin Frazee - Drums
Kevin Frazee is the ideal drummer for the versatile organ jazz group because he possesses the power and drive of a big band drummer, but combines it with the listening and groove-oriented approach of combo drummer. Kevin began playing music professionally at the age of 18 with Kansas City organist Everette DeVan. After a few years performing in the Kansas City scene, Kevin moved to Portland, Oregon in 1997 where he performed with artists such as guitarist Dan Faehnle and Blue Note recording artist Javon Jackson.
From 1999 through 2001 Kevin sailed into the Hawaii cruise ship scene aboard the SS Independence where he performed with groups such as The Platters and The Ink Spots. After returning to Kansas City, Kevin performed at night clubs and festivals with visiting artists such as fusion flautist Herbie Mann and tenor sax legend Houston Person.
Kevin has studied with Todd Strait and Mel Brown, and in 2004, Kevin spent a week in Florida studying with his favorite drummer and multi-instrumentalist Duffy Jackson. Kevin has also studied jazz theory and keyboard with both Everette DeVan and Ken Lovern.
Kevin has been with Ken Lovern’s OJT since its inception, and he has also been performing with Ken Lovern in the SoulCats since 2002. Look for Kevin on upcoming OJT recordings.