The great artists and musicians throughout the ages have left behind a legacy of music whose innovations inspired generations of songwriters and jazz performers. Among their great admirers was KC Fortenberry who drew upon these early influences to carve out his own niche as a songwriter as well as a contemporary jazz pianist.
His recent recordings include DISTINCTIVE PRAISE’S FIRST FRUIT and IVORY DREAMS YOU GO TO MY HEAD.
“I chose these projects because I felt it would be a great focal point for some unique interpretations” said KC. In regards to “YOU GO TO MY HEAD”, the key was to approach it as an overall concept, not re-doing the classic as much as finding the fine line between personalizing the song and being true to the source harmonically. Embracing this piece was very natural for me because it was instrumental in convincing me to go into writing in the first place.
For several years KC has been the Bandleader of Ivory Dreams who’s current and alumni members include: Vanessa Holmes, Eric Rapier, Robin Alexis, Barbria Hanes, Audley Reid, Leon Allen, Curtis Bates, James Thornton, Dexter Sims, Tracey Anita Baker, Carl Thompson, James Knowles, Derek Henderson, Glover Washington, Michael Thompson, & Louis Varro.
Growing up in Chicago, KC credits his father who played piano with instilling in him an understanding of music. A composition major at DePaul University, he found a great affinity for jazz while studying with the renowned Alain Swain.
KC met Bassist/Producer/Recording Artist Michael Manson who became KC’S mentor and who launched his recording career.
Launching Ivory Coast Records as a label, KC created what he hopes will become one of the most popular labels for Christian/Gospel/Adult Contemporary music.
“As an artist, I’m a pianist first” KC says “Therefore I’m able to choose between recording albums of all original material, and doing only music that has integrity. It’s been an interesting double life, doing both my own music and being a bandleader. Songwriting is like a blank canvass. Absolute freedom to create from scratch, which presents its own set of challenges”.
Share the journey; it’s a generational experience which speaks to the heart and soul of anyone ever touched by good music.
