The Kenney Polson Project has been dazzling audiences since 1999 with its non-stop show. Since the sellout CD release party, the group has performed for the State Senator, The State Assemblyman, University of California Chancelor, County Fairs, Festivals, numerous clubs, restaurants and book stores. The Kenney Polson Project has performed live television shows and also live on an international syndicated radio show. The group has shared programs with Joyce Cooling, Everette Harp, Rick Braun, Peter White, and Jonathan Butler. The CD "Paradise " has been heard on radio stations in many states and is rapidly growing in popularity. The selection "No More Lonely Nights " has been promoted on national radio by Loggins Promotions and it caught on like wildfire! The new single "Uncle Famous " is being promoted on national smooth jazz radio by Peer Pressure Promotions. The CD is distributed by Quicksilver Increase Distribution.
Eric Garcia began drumming at an early age, using whatever worked for sticks and hitting anything that produced noise upon impact. He obtained his first set of drums while still in elementary school and was involved in Concert Band, Drum Corps, Marching Band, and Jazz Ensemble through out high school. He was awarded most outstanding musician during three of his high school years. It was in high school when Mr. Garcia became seriously interested in the jazz styles of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, "Philly" Joe Jones, Tony Williams, Lewis Nash, Brian Blade Greg Hutchingson and Elvin Jones.
Brian Toel was exposed to music by family members at an early age. He started guitar at age 9. During the 6th grade he was recruited by Donald D'Angelo to learn bass guitar to fill an opening in a talented Jr. High Jazz Band. Brian continued to be involved in Jazz Big Band and Combos all through high school. During this time he competed in many festivals, competitions, summer camps and honor jazz bands in California's Central Valley and has toured Canada and Hawaii. Mr. Toel has studied privately with John Lauffenburger. Brian has performed in the college jazz ensembles. Highlights of this period in his life included performances with James Moody, Bill Watrous, and a tour of Mexico. He was a member of "The Accidentals" of San Jose, and "The Bay Bones" with Billy Robinson and Dave Eshelman.
Mark Henigan, the son of a violinist and english professor, started piano in ernest at age 15. After high school where he scored quite well in the Piano Guild examinations, he took an interest in learning jazz. Bill Evans was his inspiration as he tried to develop an expressive approach to his playing. Mr. Henigan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music while teaching piano and organ as well as playing in a number of bands. He has performed Country & Western, Rock and Roll, as well as Blues. When Mr. Henigan went on to medical school residency, and fellowship training, he had little time for his music career. Now a practicing psychiatrist, he has returned to playing the music he enjoys.
Marlon Bowen has been playing guitar and bass for over 20 years. Growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, Marlon was inspired by a wide variety of music. By age 15 he had already developed his ear and developed a goal to learn a song before it would end while it was still actually playing on the radio. Determined to be a professional musician, Marlon began touring and performing right out of high school. Mr. Bowen has toured Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hawaii, Guam and the USA, backing up various artists. Marlon Bowen has shared the stage with Kevin Archie, Confunkshun, and Danny Thomas. He has also been a special guest on at least 5 different Gospel compact discs by God Quest, Rici Bell, Rene, and Jacob Luttrell.
Ricky Williams a part-time member of the group, has been playing tenor saxophone for many years. He studied sax with his idol Charles Carr (formerly with James Brown) and has not stopped playing great music since. He has performed on shows with James Brown, Z.Z. Hill, Bettye Swann, and a host of others... He was the principal instrumental soloist for The Tucker Brothers Plus. Ricky is a fine vocalist and has also been seen singing gospel. His voice is that of a 1st tenor and can be compared to Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire...
