Renowned pianist Erik Olson returns to Billings from his new home in Athens, Georgia, to present a special night of music featuring the compositions of Dan Nettles, guitarist and leader of Kenosha Kid—or K. Kid, as it is sometimes stylized.
For over 20 years, Kenosha Kid has thrived at the crossroads of jazz, rock, and cinematic composition, forging a singular sound that blends deep improvisation, intricate rhythmic interplay, and evocative storytelling. Rooted in jazz’s harmonic and structural freedom but unbound by tradition, Nettles and his rotating ensemble navigate a rich landscape where “the harmonic richness and rhythmic involvement come from jazz, but the sonic particulars—electric bass, grooving drums, guitar amped in stereo with pedal effects—come from a number of places.” (Flagpole).
Described as “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock, and improvised music” (Free Times), Kenosha Kid’s ever-expanding catalog includes original scores for silent film, exploratory twin albums Inside Voices and Outside Choices, and the expansive, three-LP masterwork October Book. Their performances defy easy categorization, striking a balance between meticulous composition and boundless spontaneity. As All About Jazz notes, “Kenosha Kid doesn’t fit easily into any category, but rather straddles genres without inhibitions.”
For this one-night event, Olson and Nettles are joined by Parker Brown and Zach Paris to bring this fearless, groove-forward, and improvisation-rich music to life. Expect deep swings, lush textures, and the kind of interplay that keeps audiences leaning in.
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