Ken Wain Celebration of Life: Rhythm Room

By Patricia Myers

A celebration of life jam session for longtime Arizona musician Ken Wain will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, with many local musicians, including opening selections by the Gentlemen of Jazz trio led by drummer Bob McKeon with Santo Maglio-keys and Ray Carter-bass + vocalist Margo McKeon. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix 85004, free admission and parking.

 Known for his “deep groove” style, the longtime Arizona musician, 70, died May 11 in Florence, AZ. Ken sang and played piano, Hammond B3 and pedal-bass at Timothy’s Pub, Remington’s, Ocean Club, Carefree Inn and other local venues, also in Switzerland, Norway, Amsterdam and Scotland.

Ken released a CD in 2002 titled “West of the Moon,” with 14 tracks including “East of the Sun,” “But Not for Me,” “Just in Time,” “Saint James Infirmary” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.” His repertoire was a mix of mainstream jazz by the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Johnny Mercer, as well as blues, New Orleans-style sounds, pop hits and original compositions. Ken’s keen sense of humor and warm audience rapport often involved listeners in his performances, as on Dr. John’s amusing “How Come My Dog Don’t Bark (When You Come Around)?”

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