Biography

Akai Pro Artist, Innovator and EWI Master, Bernie Kenerson says it's time to bring the Akai EWI out to the forefront and give it some r-e-s-p-e-c-t! With his talent and ability, he is doing just that. He's a producer, sound designer, composer , arranger, teacher, clinician, recording and performing artist who plays many different electric wind instruments, saxophones, flutes, clarinets and keyboards. He was born to musical parents and began playing clarinet at age 7, sax at age 10 and flute at age 13. He started his professional career at age 16 in his hometown of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He joined the U. S. Army at age 17 and has fourteen years experience as an instrumentalist and arranger in Army Bands. His musical studies include a Two Year Professional Diploma from Berklee College of Music and a Bachelor of Music Degree from Appalachian State University where he formed the Neo-jazz band, 'Slipstream', and the group's self produced album 'Afterglow' received Downbeat magazine’s 1982 DeeBee award for best college group and Bernie received an Outstanding Soloist award for his Lyricon playing. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Bernie lived in Brussels, Belgium where he performed in a variety of groups at concerts and festivals throughout Western Europe, Scandinavia and Morocco. Bernie moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in May 1995 and has been busy performing and recording; highlighted by three years in the house band at the Jasmine Supper Club (a 7 night-a-week jazz venue) where he performed nightly and shared the stage with jazz artists' Gato Barbieri, Kim Waters, The Yellowjackets, Joe Beck, Bob James, Spyro Gyra, and the legendary Jimmy Smith. Bernie can be heard on many Beach Music CDs, including 11 that made the Beach Music top 100 and has received three Cammy Awards. He’s currently performing with his own band The Bernie Kenerson Group, Science Factory and working on solo CD projects. Bernie began performing on electric wind instruments in April 1978 with the Lyricon. He currently plays the new Akai EWI 4000s and Akai EWI USB as his main instruments and displays a wealth of expression and artistry on these unique electric horns. His 2007 CD release Just You & Me (The Art of the EWI) received national/international press and airplay. Reviewer Chris Spector Says, "A first class set throughout, this jazzbo knows how to deliver, the kind of cat well primed to take this electronic instrument to the next level of the game." Scott O’Brian of SmoothJazz.com says, "His playing is brilliant, and...he completely immerses himself in the improvisation and energy of his instrument and, more importantly, conveys it convincingly to his listeners." HIs 2008 CD releases "Bernie Game" and "Merry EWI Christmas" are constantly bringing new fans to the EWI. At a recent show in Charleston, South Carolina a new fan was heard saying, "I love the sounds of the EWI. It like, massaged my brain." His latest release "Make My Jungle Electric" is a blending of elements of jazz and electronica that Bernie likes to call "Electro Jazz". The Bernie Kenerson Group has a fresh new smooth and sophisticated jazz sound that is driven by the unique sonic palette of Bernie's EWIs and the creative musical support he gets from his wonderful group. Check out the Bernie Kenerson Group and hear the future!