THE KG EXPERIENCE

The KG Experience was a multi-faceted musical unit specializing in jazz of various eras. It was led by Kenneth “KG” Gill, a trombonist, composer, arranger, and music educator. He ordained the band while living and working as a music educator in Richmond, Virginia. During those years, the band quickly became one of the most in demand jazz/funk ensembles in the region. KG Experience performed with and opened for festivals and artists such as: El DeBarge, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. After relocating back to Detroit, Michigan, KG quickly revamped the KG Experience, all the while looking for musicians that fit his vision.

Before long, he decided to hire a vocalist to capture different audiences. DeAnna Weeden was his first call as they had performed in Ben’s Friends Jazz Orchestra together for several years. During those years, KG had ample time to observe the vocal prowess of DeAnna Weeden. He deemed her delivery of tunes from the “Great American Song Book” as purely authentic and top notch. Weeden joined the band in 2016 and added elements not seen or heard prior. Her vocal style brought an Abbey Lincoln ethos to the band which was quintessential to the KG Experience sound. KG has called Weeden “one of Detroit’s most authentic jazz vocalists.”