Drummer, composer, and author, Kenne Thomas is a well-travelled educated, and seasoned musician, continuing a long history of notable drummers from the city of Chicago. Kenne is the son of early 1950’s Chicago jazz alto saxophonist, James “Bouncy” Whitehead, who he notes as his musical inspiration. Kenne honed his skills in the grinding Chicago nightclub jazz organ trios, hard bop jazz groups, blues bands, and progressive fusion ensembles of the ‘70s era. He was fortunate to spend time through the years as a roadie for his friend and mentor, drummer, Elvin Jones.

Kenne’s USA domestic albums feature great lineups of national jazz masters. The album, WOODLAWN, by Kenne Thomas’ LIFEFORCE, is a tour de force of contemporary smooth Jazz. It features the radio hit, “Roy’s Thing,” a tribute song dedicated to trumpeter, Roy Hargrove. His follow-up offering, is straight ahead bop, cool, and swing jazz, “YESTERDAYS,” by Kenne Thomas’ K-TET is dedicated to his jazz and blues roots and his father, Jim “Bouncy” Whitehead, to whom several compositions are written. This album features the song, “I’ll Be There With You,” composed by Kenne Thomas. This jazz ballad is sung by vocalist, Ms. Lila Ammons, niece of the great Chicago jazz saxophonist, Gene Ammons, who also was a close friend of Kenne’s family. Today he performs on drums with touring artists. He composes songs and lyrics for musicians and singers in many different genres. Kenne happily carries the weight of musical history and continues a vibrant musical legacy.