Kenny Washington Quartet at The Sound Room – Oakland, CA

Kenny Washington is a highly acclaimed jazz vocalist, known for his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and inventive scatting. He’s been called the “Superman of the Bay Area jazz scene” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Washington’s style is influenced by classic jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, while also incorporating elements of Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway.

Kenny Washington thrills audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and rapid-fire scatting. The New Orleans native, now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is described as one of “the Bay Area’s best kept musical secrets,” Washington’s astounding improvisational flights, inventive approach and emotional intensity are awe inspiring. If you have never heard this New Orleans native sing before, prepare to join a global audience that has been wowed by Washington’s talent.

“The thing is, Washington slays ’em wherever he performs. Standing not quite five-foot-two, he’s an oversize talent who can scat with the harmonic daring and rhythmic command of a bebop saxophonist, croon with the simmering soul of Donny Hathaway, and interpret standards with such intelligence and emotional commitment it’s like Rodgers and Hart wrote “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” with him in mind.” — Andrew Gilbert, eastbayexpress.com