A PORTRAIT OF WILL KENNEDY

August 1, 2016 | by Rusty Aceves

Will Kennedy

Snarky Puppy is widely known for their rotating stable of unbelievable drummers – Robert “Sput” Searight, Jason “J.T.” Thomas, and Larnell Lewis – musicians who power the ensemble with a devastating combination of groove, chops, dynamics, and chameleon-like stylistic versatility.

In their highly anticipated return to SFJAZZ this week, the band will feature a special guest behind the drums – a Bay Area native and one of the most influential drummers in contemporary jazz, Will Kennedy. Best known for his twenty-year tenure in keyboardist Russell Ferrante’s legendary fusion band Yellowjackets, Kennedy combines the deep pocket of his East Bay funk beginnings with blinding speed and an innate sense of swing, inspiring countless young drummers to follow, including Searight, Thomas, and Lewis. Kennedy took a decade-long break from the Yellowjackets in the late 1990s, performing as house drummer on the talk shows hosted by Martin Short and Wayne Brady, and has lent his powerful musicality to recordings with Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci, Dave Samuels, Queen Latifah, Lee Ritenour, and Diane Shuur, among many others.

Here's Will playing with the Yellowjackets in 2011: