Biography

Kevin Armstrong is a freelance guitarist, session musician and tutor. As well as co-leading the group Jazz Menagerie; he also composes and arranges music for jazz/soul band Jazzelation. Other bands include the Alison Bentley/Ewen Baird Band, French café music trio Les Musettes and the Martin Pickett Organ Trio.

After playing in rock bands as a teenager, Kevin co-formed his first jazz band, The All-Night Cat-Food Store while at university. His interest in education led him to study teaching theory and techniques - gaining an RSA diploma in 1994 - while his passion for jazz led him from Oxford to London to study guitar method and music theory with leading UK guitarists, Dave Cliff and John Parricelli.

“Kevin Armstrong gave up a promising academic career to concentrate on his first love – music. He is a versatile, creative guitarist who adapts brilliantly to any style, but particularly jazz. Technically gifted and ever thoughtful, this is a player of great style and substance.” Paul Jefferies Co-founder, Oxford Jazz Festival

On Jazzelation’s debut CD: “Impeccable…choc-full of irrepressible hope and optimism”
Seb Scotney LONDONJAZZ

“Music that skilfully blends jazz with soulful elements…impressive guitar & organ solos…This is a promising debut album and the group should go from strength to strength…”
Tony Augarde CRESCENDO & JAZZ MUSIC MAGAZINE