Kenneka Cook

Kenneka Cook, a vocalist, composer, and instrumentalist, weaves classic jazz, neo-soul, and cosmopolitan pop into lush melodic forms shaped by the work of Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu, the Cardigans, and Vampire Weekend. Raised in Richmond, Virginia, she honed her abilities as a child through school programs and church settings. While attending college she began capturing a cappella pieces on a laptop, then experienced a pivotal shift in approach after attending a Reggie Watts show that featured a looping pedal. Purchasing one for herself let her build stacked vocal and percussion parts on record, as heard in her take on Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” and during stage appearances. In summer 2017 she tracked her debut album with producer Scott Lane and a group of players that included keyboardist Devonne Harris, also known as DJ Harrison, plus saxophonist Sid Kingsley. Two cuts from those dates, “Don't Ask Me” and “Moonchild,” appeared before the year closed. The complete album Moonchild followed in February on Richmond-based American Paradox.