Kyle Hernandez musically drives. Permeates. The jazz guitarist/ vocalist/ composer/ producer is a multi-talented musician whose fiery delivery and distinctive sound carry it into a space that defies categorization.
There is a gritty soul and passion that emphatically captures his New York roots on his most recent album as a bandleader: “The Kyle Hernandez Jazz Quartet” which downbeat cited as a “A passionate and honest” performance, “A musician whose melodic sensibilities come straight from the heart” Kyle's groups have been actively performing at music festivals and venues throughout the united states for over a decade.
Originally from California, Kyle learned to play guitar and sing at an early age with influence from a musical family who provided him lessons at a young age. Kyle moved to New York in 2006 after finishing high school and being awarded a scholarship to attend The New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan. While attending school, Kyle studied privately with musical heavyweights including; guitarists Peter Bernstein, Vic Juris and bassist Reggie Workman. Since finishing school, Kyle has shared the stage with a vast array of talented musicians and groups internationally including; Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Eric Alexander, Robert Glasper and many others. Kyle has participated in over 30 recordings and numerous festivals, concert and club performances with musicians spanning from all generations.
As a Leader, Kyle has released three albums, including his most recent self-titled release. Jazz festivals and venues all throughout the United States including; The Reno, Savannah, Newport, Sacramento, Toronto, Boston and Montreal Jazz Festivals have hosted Kyle's quartet. Notable venues including The Mondavi Center, The Blue Note, The Great American Music Hall, Rockwood Music Hall, Sullivan Hall and The Jazz Standard have hosted Kyle's groups. In 2015 Kyle went back to school to earn his master’s degree in music from Brooklyn College while subsequently maintaining an active performance schedule around New York. Kyles group continues to play regularly as a quartet, performing both original and popular music fusing the styles of traditional and contemporary jazz.
Kyle will be performing with an amazing band:
Javier Santiago on piano - handpicked by Dave Brubeck to attend the Brubeck Institute and now in the Bay Area wowing us all!
Curtis Aikens on bass - renowned for his playing as well as teaching at 142 Throckmorton Theater and in the esteemed Berkeley HS Music program
Brandon Farmer on drums - Rising Star on the Bay Area scene, this guy is amazing!