kenny shider, bass & vocals

The emergence of a genuine love for music was developed for Bassist, Kenny Shider during his formative years. Creatively releasing instrumentally infused expressions, Kenny has identified himself through his ability to envelop his passion for funk, gospel, jazz, neo-soul and contemporary music producing an intricate sound that platforms his crisp craftsmanship and inventive form.

Driven by musical influences such as Maurice Fitzgerald, Jaco Pastorius, Tom Kennedy, Marcus Miller, Francis Rocco Prestia, Pino Palladino, Bunny Brunel, Bootsie Collins, and more, Kenny integrated the sounds of those who helped light the passion with his own melodic flavor allowing an outlet for his diverse artistry.

Kenny began his musical journey at the age of 9 in his hometown of Walterboro, SC. His ability to create music through each instrument he placed his hands on was evident as he diligently learned to play the drums, keyboard, trumpet and bass guitar. Kenny credits his early interest in music to his father, Kenny Shider, Sr., a seasoned drummer, and his uncle, James McKay, who is currently bass guitarist for musical legend, Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review. Kenny graduated from The University of South Carolina Upstate where he majored in Information Technology while still pursuing his love for playing the bass guitar.

Kenny’s humble demeanor and genuine talent has been recognized by a diverse range of local and national recording artists some of  which include gospel artists Pastor John P. Kee and The New Life Community Choir, Bishop Eddie Long and The New Birth Total Praise Choir, Paul Porter, Pure-N-Heart Kids/Teens, Shelly Wade, Minister Faith Davis and The Minstrels & Levites, Dennis Reed & Gap, Antrina Miller, Carolina Mass Choir, Larry McCullough & Chosen Generation, Tyrone Wilkins & Favor, USC Upstate Choir (Overseas Tour), Jeffrey Lampkins, Demetral Butler & For His Glory Ministries, Changed and Double Vision (Marcus & Alphaeus Anderson). Kenny has performed with national R&B recording artist Montell Jordan, Shirley Murdock, Syleena Johnson, Christopher Williams, Glen Jones, Gary “Lil’ G” Jenkins from Silk. He has also played with Contemporary Jazz and Funk bands Groove Planet, Okra, Gypsy Soul and The Work. Determined to develop his art, Kenny refuses to become complacent in his abilities as he absorbs every opportunity he is granted to pursue further dimensions to his playing. The best is truly yet to come for this amazingly gifted musician.

You can experience further dimensions of Kenny’s unique and rhythmic sound on the following recordings:
Antrina Miller. (2005) An Invitation from Christ through the Ministry of Antrina Miller
Carolina Mass Choir. (2005) Higher
Faith Davis and The Minstrels & Levites. (2006) Psalms for Prayer
Jeffrey Lampkins. (2006) Expected Release Date 02/2007
EPDMK. (2007) From Struggle 2 Glory
Pure-N-Heart Kids. (2008) [Stellar-Nominated] We Are Different
Whitney Walters. (2010) Full Circle
Pure-N-Heart Kids. (2010) Expected Release Date 08/2011
Pure-N-Heart Teens. (2010) Expected Release Date 04/2011
Shellae Wade. (2010) Expected Release Date 07/2011