James Kennedy

A singer and songwriter from the Midwest, James Kennedy has gained recognition for advancing his own work alongside that of other regional artists seeking entry into the broader music business. His path began conventionally when he developed an early attachment to his Harmony guitar and joined neighborhood bar bands, yet he simultaneously cultivated an affinity for folk music and an interest in recording methods that secured him several studio positions. Following the release of his debut solo album, Just Bein' Natural, he embarked on limited touring before turning to academic studies. There he focused on jazz and arrangement, though he eventually withdrew to devote himself entirely to music. An introduction to violinist Catherine Lawson prompted the pair to establish Heart Consort Music, an enterprise that assisted Midwest musicians in promoting their material and placing it in television and film. Since then Kennedy has issued numerous albums while licensing his music to multiple television networks. He continues to tour extensively, delivering his folky roots rock across the country in the company of Lawson, bassist Matt Alles, and drummer Masahiro Iwasaki.