Organist. Pianist. Composer. Educator.
Kendall Carter is a formidable organist, pianist, composer, and educator hailing from Louisville, KY. He began playing the piano at age 4 and was drawn to the organ by age 13. Matriculating at the University of Louisville, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Jazz Composition and Arranging. Aside from music, he also holds a Masters Degree in Theology.
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​Kendall is a Hammond Artist and he can be found actively performing throughout the midwest. Kendall has been provided the opportunity to share the stage with many established musicians including NEA Jazz Master Jamey Aebersold, NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, Dave Stryker, Rob Dixon, Carmen Bradford, Tim Warfield, Mike Clark, Christian McBride and a host of others.
His playing is deeply rooted in the gospel music tradition, but also draws influence from notable organists Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, and Shirley Scott. Combining these influences has allowed Kendall to develop his own philosophy on playing the blues and keeping the groove.
As an active teacher and clinician, he has taught at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops, American Music Abroad, and various colleges and universities around the country including Miami Dade College, Amarillo College, Kentucky State University, Bellarmine College, West Texas A&M, Campbellsville University, and more. Kendall is also active at his local church were he serves as the Minister of Music, and helped released their first single entitled, "Don't Worry, Just Worship" (out on all platforms). More music is forthcoming from his church music department.
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His debut record, "Introducing Kendall Carter," features veteran New York City guitarist Dave Stryker and Indianapolis based drummer Kenny Phelps. This record draws on the organ trio tradition with its blue-tinged renditions of jazz standards and R&B classics. His sophomore recording is forthcoming and features Dan Wilson on guitar and James Gaiters on drums.
Discography
As A Leader:
Introducing Kendall Carter (2021) Lladnek Music
Don't Worry Just Worship - The Single (2017)
As A Sideman:
Contrafacts (2015) Anderson Pessoa
Prahyekt Won (2018) Ronald Morrell Jr.
Carly Johnson (2020) Carly Johnson/sonBlast! Records
Last Horizon (2021) Lee Puckett
Legacy: Honoring Louisville's African American Jazz Musicians (2021) Ansyn Banks Quintet
Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You (2023) Bonnie Prince Billy/Drag City Inc.
Grab a copy of my first official release which features Dave Stryker on guitar and Kenny Phelps on Drums. This record was recorded right before the covid-19 pandemic lockdown, and I'm so very thankful we were able to make this record date happen.
It is my hope, from the very first track, that the listener is pulled in by the groove and the grease that comes with hearing the Hammond B3 organ. In the words of Kool and The Gang, “Let The Music Take Your Mind”!
