Candice McMahon
For The Morning Star
Kenny (Blues Boss) Wayne, also known as Boss of the Blues and Gentleman of the Boogie Woogie, is an internationally-renowned blues and jazz musician whose musical career has flourished for over 60 years.
Born in Spokane, Washington, raised in New Orleans, and now based in Kelowna, Wayne has built a stellar reputation within Canada and abroad for his lively attire and energetic concert performances.
Besides being a great keyboard player, Wayne has a soulful voice. His clarity and easiness make him extremely enjoyable to listen to.
“Wayne is like a modern-day version of Fats Domino, with his colourful suits and big smile piano chops,” wrote Jim Hynes with Elmore Magazine. “This cat can pound those keys as evidenced by Living Blues magazine awarding him the 2015 Most Outstanding Musician on keyboards. As the title suggests, this is joyous music that puts a contemporary spin on those classic styles that now go back sixty or seventy years.”
Wayne recorded his debut album Blues Boss Boogie in 1988. He won a Canadian Juno award in 2006 for Let It Loose. In 2011, he released An Old Rock on a Roll on a new label. He followed up in 2014 with Rollin’ with the Blues Boss. Jumpin’ and Boppin’ was his third recording on Stony Plain Records.
“While I’m making this wonderful journey through life and having the opportunity to record my own songs, I try to make every recording better than the last,” says Wayne. “This most likely won’t be my last, but I am very proud to present this recording to the world and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did writing, recording and producing this album.”
This album could have easily been made in the ‘50s, which is a further testament to Wayne’s immense talents, staying power, and stature as one of the genre’s foremost blues and boogie-woogie pianists.
Joining Wayne will be Vernon’s special guest Doug Sonju on saxophone, as well as Tankful of Blues band members Charlie Jacobson on guitar, Grant Jones on bass and John Modder on drums.
Kenny (Blues Boss) Wayne will be onstage at the Vernon Jazz Club (3000-31 Street) Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Cash only bar onsite. This show is now sold out. More info on future Vernon Jazz Society gigs and ticket sales is available at vernonjazz.com.