Kris Kimura

Kris Kimura is an Austin, TX based woodwind specialist, vocalist, composer, arranger, bandleader and jazz club owner. Kris studied music at the University of North Texas, Texas State University, and is the protégé of the woodwind master Tony Campise. For over two decades, in addition to leading his own groups, Kris has been a staple in the Central Texas scene. In addition to four CD’s as a leader, Kris has recorded on over 30 CD’s as a sideman…on flute, clarinet, saxophones, and voice, including the Grammy winning album El Existential with Grupo Fantasma. His original compositions/arrangements have been featured in movies, international ad campaigns, and commercials. Kris has toured extensively in the US, playing clubs and festivals including the San Jose Jazz Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, Texas Jazz Festival, Absolut Jazz Festival, Hill Country Jazz Festival, and many others. In 2004, Kris was awarded a Downbeat Student Music Award for outstanding jazz vocals.Over the years, Kris has had the opportunity to perform with many of his personal heroes, of both local and international renown including Doug Lawrence, Marcus Printup, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, George Duke, Michael Feinstein, Johnny Mathis, The O’Jays, the Buckinghams, the Temptations, Butch Miles, Vincent Herring, Bill Watrous, Chester Thompson, Javier Vasquez, Ignacio Berroa, Ndugu Chancler, Jason Marsalis, Johnny Vidocavich, Arthur Latin, Rick Latham, Andre Hayward, Dale Watson, Tony Campise, and many others.After the passing of Tony Campise, Kris founded a 501(c)(3) organization named the Tony and June Project to honor his dear friend and longtime mentor. The purpose of the nonprofit is to spread light and love through jazz music, with a sharp focus on honoring the American jazz tradition through intimate concerts for our elderly and enriching education through performances, clinics, and workshops for our youth. All concerts, clinics, and workshops are provided free of charge to local area nursing homes, assisted living residences, long term acute care centers, and schools. Kris also serves on the Board of the Austin Jazz Society as a Founding Member.In late 2016, Kris will open the doors to Parker, a beautiful new jazz club in the heart of downtown Austin, Tx.Equipment:Keilwerth SX90II Soprano Saxophone (Black Nickel) Keilwerth SX90R Alto Saxophone (Black Nickel)Keilwerth SX90 Straight Alto Saxophone (Black Nickel) Keilwerth SX90R Tenor Saxophone (Black Nickel)Keilwerth SX90 Low-A Baritone Saxophone (Black Nickel) Buffet R-13 Bb ClarinetPowell C Flute, Armstrong Eb Flute, Jupiter deMedici Alto and Bass FluteMouthpieces by Ron Coehlo. Winslow Ligatures. Walt Johnson cases. DeJacques neck straps. Vandoren and D’Addario Reeds. Neumann microphones.