Biography
Canadian guitarist Kevin Breit has earned acclaim as a versatile performer whose command of the instrument unites his affinity for jazz, blues, rootsy country twang, and experimental rock. Born and raised in the small Northern Ontario community of McKerrow, he first picked up the guitar in childhood and relocated to Toronto upon turning 17. There he quickly established himself through local band performances and extensive studio session work. Across his career he has contributed to recordings and live dates by such esteemed figures as Holly Cole, Cassandra Wilson, k.d. lang, Janis Ian, and the Wailin' Jennys, among many others.
His solo discography opened in the late 1990s with the instrumental releases Maybelle and Empty. Subsequent projects that drew favorable notice include the 2003 album Jubilee, 2007’s Burnt Bulb on Broadway, and 2010’s Simple Earnest Plea. During those same years he also became a member of singer/pianist Norah Jones’ band, appearing on her widely praised albums Don't Know Why, Come Away with Me, and Feels Like Home.
In 2006 Breit received his first Juno Award for his contributions to the jazz ensemble the Sisters Euclid’s album Run Neil Run. He later teamed with fellow singer/guitarist Harry Manx for the 2011 release Strictly Whatever, issued on Stony Plain. The next year he claimed his second Juno Award, this time for Best Instrumental Album, in recognition of his band Stretch Orchestra’s debut. Ernesto and Delilah arrived in 2015 and included vocal contributions from Rebecca Jenkins. In 2017 the guitarist issued the conceptual roots album Johnny Goldtooth and the Chevy Casanovas.
His solo discography opened in the late 1990s with the instrumental releases Maybelle and Empty. Subsequent projects that drew favorable notice include the 2003 album Jubilee, 2007’s Burnt Bulb on Broadway, and 2010’s Simple Earnest Plea. During those same years he also became a member of singer/pianist Norah Jones’ band, appearing on her widely praised albums Don't Know Why, Come Away with Me, and Feels Like Home.
In 2006 Breit received his first Juno Award for his contributions to the jazz ensemble the Sisters Euclid’s album Run Neil Run. He later teamed with fellow singer/guitarist Harry Manx for the 2011 release Strictly Whatever, issued on Stony Plain. The next year he claimed his second Juno Award, this time for Best Instrumental Album, in recognition of his band Stretch Orchestra’s debut. Ernesto and Delilah arrived in 2015 and included vocal contributions from Rebecca Jenkins. In 2017 the guitarist issued the conceptual roots album Johnny Goldtooth and the Chevy Casanovas.
Albums
