Kenny Klein is a well known musician, author, and lecturer.
As a musician, Kenny has performed at dozens of festivals, renaissance faires and music venues. Highlights include: the legendary Folk City (NY), Speakeasy (NY), The Coffee Gallery Backstage (LA), Starwood Festival, PantheaCon, Ancient Ways Festival, Arizona Faerie Festival, Colorado Renaissance Faire, Bristol Renaissance Faire, Southern California Renaissance Faire, and the New York Renaissance Festival. Kenny has recorded many CDs of original music, and has played on many CDs by other artists.
Kenny is the author of Through the Faerie Glass: A Look at the Realm of Unseen and Enchanted Beings (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2010). His new book is Fairy Tale Rituals (Llewellyn, 2011). Kenny is also a regular contributor to publications like The Green Egg e-zine, and has contributed to numerous poetry and prose journals.
Kenny is an artist who photographs, paints, and customizes collectible Blythe dolls.
Kenny learned to play fiddle and to perform music on the streets of Greenwhich Village with such legendary bands as Paul Presti and the Pretzels and the New York Frets. As a young man Kenny spent time in the Apalachians and in Europe, where he learned Bluesgrass, Old Timey, Irish and Gypsy fiddling. Kenny took to traveling full time, with various bands (including a band with his then-musical partner Tzipora, and later with the band Odd's Bodkin), and as a solo performer.
Kenny now lives in New Orleans, where he plays music in clubs and on the streets . He tours extensively, especially in the summer months, performing at festivals and renaissance faires, and spends the winter writing books, recording, and creating art projects.
Email Kenny here
Here are my three most recent CDs. To see all available CDs, please visit my online shop or click here to download indidual songs or entire CDs.
Moons and Muses, is made up of songs previously released on three older CDs: Muses, Gold of the Autumn, and On The fourteenth of May. This CD includes The Whales, Keep Your legs Together Jenny, The Raggle Taggle Gypsies, Oh No John, Merry Up May Song and Appleby Fair.
My new CD features 11 new, original songs in New Orleans Jugband and Rockabilly Blues styles, played on banjo, washboard, fiddle, clarinet and harmonica. Most likely the world's first CD of Pagan Jugband music. Vagabond Blues, Ghosts of the Lower 9th Ward, Barleycorn Blues, Ghost Train, My Pagan Girl.
As far as I know, the world's first CD of Pagan Bluegrass Gospel music!!! Pagan songs in a traditional Bluegrass style, featuring banjo, fiddle, dobro, mandolin, and of course vocals. Eleven songs, including Temple On The Stone, Let Me Sing, Maple Tree, Diana's Moon, High Ground.
Reviews of Kenny's CDs and Shows:
“This album, like all of Kenny Klein's work, is a must for any music collection. From beginning to end, each song is filled with compelling imagery and the CD crosses through so many musical styles that it is sure to thrill and delight.”
“This is a “Dark Wave” style with more electric tone than some of Kenny’s other works. My first impression was that I wasn’t going to enjoy this disc. It wasn’t my style, or so I told myself. Then I listened to Kenny’s lyrics. And I discovered that whether he is producing a traditional ballad or something a bit (okay, a LOT) more off the wall, his music has the ability to evoke unexpected responses.
“I especially liked “Maria’s Not a Catholic Anymore.” Although short, it reminded me of a couple of other songs I have always enjoyed (Dar Williams’ “Christians and Pagans” and Jim Alan’s “Talking Wicca Blues”), both of which reflect reality. Then there is “Dead Gerbil Jam”…you have to hear this one.”
Mike Gleason, The Pagan Activist, review of Fairy Queen
“Pagan Gospel Bluegrass,” who’d have thought of that combination? Kenny Klein, of course. This latest offering from the talented mind of Kenny Klein is a one-of-a-kind disc, although I have hopes that this style may catch on and inspire further offerings.”
Mike Gleason, The Pagan Activist, review of Maple Tree
“It is hard to find a fiddler at faire who surpasses Kenny in his gypsy flavored fiddle playing. "Audra", the second song on the CD, is a perfect example. The feel of the music conjures images of varda wagons encircling a bonfire under a moonlit night.
"Another favorite (and one worth purchasing the album for) is "The Old Woman Was A Gypsy". The song is more contemporary in lyrical content, but it strikes directly to the heart of anyone who has sat beside a bonfire at faire, watching the smoke carry their dreams skywards.”
http://www.modernbard.org/ Review of Little Birds Of Desire
“Kenny Klein, the fiddler, is a sinfully talented musician, and he brings his many years of fiddling experience with him. To watch him work a fiddle is to realize that this instrument's reputation as the poor man's violin is ill earned.”
“I've always enjoyed your show. I went to my first fair three years ago, and my friend "volunteered" me to go on stage for 'Oh No, John'. I'm normally pretty shy, so I wouldn't have done it without her prompting, but I ended up having a lot of fun. It's still one of my favorite Faire memories. I've seen most of the shows there, and I honestly think yours is the most entertaining. Whenever I bring new friends with me, I take them to see your show, and they always enjoy it.”
Fan Review
