Who is the real Kevin Bond?
We know the studio, live and keyboard wizard but who are you away
from that element?
I'm
a family man with high regard for my wife and children. I'm also
one in love with God and in relationship with his son Jesus Christ.
Career is great but after all is said and done FAMILY is what matters
most; and remember, before God instituted the church he instituted
family!
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How
long have you been playing? Over
30 years now
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How did you get started?
I
was raised in a musical family. My parents and siblings were musical.
I was introduced to the piano in church and started taking lessons
at age 11.
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When was your big break?
I
was serving my fathers ministry and had the opportunity to play
for a local group at Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar. I went
and had the opportunity to meet Edwin, Walter, Tramaine, Lynette,
and Richard Smallwood. Shortly after that engagement Edwin called
me to tour with him on the road.
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Your playing style is very unique. It's so
unique that many have adapted it into the own styles. How did you
develop that style that has become known as the Kevin Bond style?
My
earlier influences were those I heard while growing up in Chicago.
But when I started playing very few of them would show me anything
they knew. So I retreated to the back room of my parents home and
sifted through all the gospel albums that I had at that time. In
doing so I learned as much as I could from them but at the same
time began to develop my own style. Being left-handed I started
duplicating the chords I played with my right hand with my left.
I found that that that freed my right hand up to venture into other
chords and fills. The more I played with other musicians such as
Jonathan Dubose and David Blakely, I learned to alternate rhythm
and padding. There you have it. The secret is to become a student
of the music not just a player of it. In other words learn to communicate
with others while you're playing. Listen to the others youre playing
with and allow your music to communicate back to them. Music is
a conversation amongst friends. But if one dominates the conversation
then everyone in the room suffers!
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What keyboards do you use?
Kurzweil
pc88, MicroPiano & K2000, Yamaha Motif Rack & TX816 (8 dx7
modules in a 4-space rack) , Mks-20, Roland 5080, 2080 & 1080,
Alesis QS8, Korg Triton and Trinity Racks, MPC4000
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Do you use a sequencing program?
If so which and why?
I
use the MPC4000 as one of my workstations. I used to use the 2000
but switched several years ago.
I love it because it sounds and feel great. It's an incredible sampler
as well as sequencer.
I
also enjoy working with Nuendo, Logic, Reason and Recyle on my Macbook
Pro Laptop & G5 Desktop. I'm also enjoying the softsynths as
well! I have a host of them as well as a ton of plug-ins to choose
from.
But
remember this, it's not the gear but the creativity that matters!
So use whatever works for you on your budget. Just use it with all
your might!
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Do you have a home studio? What gear do you
use there? Yes
I have a home studio (Bonded Music Suite 7 Studios). I use 2 Mackie
D8Bs, Protools HD on a G5 Desktop & LE on a MacBook Pro Powerbook
& Mbox2 Pro. I use numerous plugins and outboard gear.
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What advice would you give to musicians with
wives, or those seeking to settle down soon?
I
would say to you that you should make sure that you're willing to
share that platform with your mate. God will not and has not given
them to you as a stepping stone, just to get YOU to the next levet,
but as a helpmate. They will be able to help you get to the next
level.
I couldnt go beyond my gig mindset until I got married and Toni
(my wife) helped me see a greater purpose. It was then I started
seeking more than just a gig. I developed streams and options. Streams
of income from writing, producing, playing, and instructing. Not
to mention I was still holding down my church job as well. I was
then able to focus on doing all those things better instead of being
distracted by thoughts of who I would hookup with after the gig
was over. I had allowed God to fill that void and thus free my mind
to be even more creative!
So
if you're only seeking someone to help you with your sexual urges
then you're on the wrong track. Seek them to help you complete your
task, walk out your destiny, and do all that God has ordained for
you BOTH!
MARRIAGE
IS WONDERFUL! IF IT'S DONE RIGHT! THE GODLY WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY!
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IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO THE TOP?
Yes!
ON YOUR KNEES!
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Enjoy
The Music Production of Kevin Bond & The McClurkins, Featuring
Kirk Whalum
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