All about the moment for this one-man band
Monroe guitarist/singer will play at Stone Pony on New Year’s Eve
BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

JESSICA SMITH Keith Kenny, of Monroe, wows the audience with his eclectic, largely improvised performance at the Saint in Asbury Park Saturday night.

MONROE — If the audience at a Keith Kenny show were to close their eyes for the performance, they would swear that there was a full band on the stage.

Kenny’s fans, however, are too busy dancing to the one-man act’s layered guitar riffs, singing, blues harp, percussion and even simulated mouth trumpet to even think about looking away.

“I like to throw a lot of stuff at you,” Kenny said.

The 22-year-old Monroe native is able to create a multifaceted sound by using a loop sampling pedal with his Martin DX1 acoustic-electric guitar, which he fondly calls “Martina.” The percussion sound comes from Kenny drumming on his guitar, which is equipped with a pickup to amplify the sound.

A good portion of his concerts consist of improvisation, Kenny said.

“It’s all about the moment,” Kenny said. “I would want people to feel like if they didn’t come to the show last night, they missed something that’s not going to happen again.”

Kenny’s roots as a musician date back to days of jamming with his father at the age of 11. Today, they still play together, though it sometimes takes a little coaxing on the younger Kenny’s part. Kenny remains impressed with his dad’s musical talent, and his ability to improvise lyrics during their jam sessions, he said.

“Those are usually the best times that I have,” Kenny said.

As Kenny grew up, his musical influences changed over time, which is why his sound does not fit neatly into any one category. One can hear traces of his childhood heavy metal tastes, along with stylings of Michael Hedges in his finger-style guitar and acoustic percussion. He also noted influence from musicians of the 1960s and ’70s, like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. His most recent musical role model is blues man Reverend Gary Davis.

“He just sings his soul out,” Kenny said.

Kenny’s fans might say the same about him as they hear him belt out his emotionally charged original tunes. He said playing music is therapeutic for him, and he often derives different sounds from different moods he experiences.

“Basically, it’s like my only outlet,” Kenny said. “What I’m really going for is, I’m trying to portray different experiences I’ve had in my life in my music.”

Fans can look forward to a CD release sometime this year, Kenny said. While he is unsure about an exact date, a recording will probably be ready by the summer.

Kenny and “Martina” make appearances all over the state and beyond. He has been featured on the Jersey Guys show on NJ 101.5, and was nominated for both Top Guitarist and Top Acoustic Act at this year’s Asbury Music Awards. Venues he’s played at include CBGB’s in the East Village, the Saint, the Stone Pony and the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, Todd’s Dugout in South Amboy, Buddies in Sayreville, and the Whiskey Bar in Hoboken.

The Saint, located in Asbury Park, where he played Dec. 22, has always been one of his favorite places to perform, Kenny said.

“They really promote original music,” Kenny said.

For New Year’s Eve, Kenny will be playing two sets at the Stone Pony, at 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. The Juggling Suns are headlining, and the show is open to all ages. There will be a champagne toast, party favors and a finger-food buffet.

Kenny is organizing a party bus to make the trip from Monroe to Asbury Park.

“Seats are selling fast,” he said.

To contact Kenny about New Year’s Eve or other upcoming shows, visit his Web site at www.keithkenny.net.