(Please pick up a copy next week for the rest of the story.)

    Whether you live here at the beach year round or on weekends, vacation regularly, or even visiting for the first time, it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing the name Kevin Poole. I recently caught up with Kevin on one of his days off, and where does he spend it? On the beach with his wife Bethany, and 2 boys, Devin 7 and Chase 4. It’s pretty easy to see that Kevin is all about his family first, his music second, and then, contributing to the betterment of people’s lives through his craft. As an artist, he is constantly in the process of evolving and improving. When one sees his performances, it’s difficult to fathom how he could possibly get any better.
    So without further ado, please allow me to introduce you to Kevin Poole.
RJ: Kevin, how long have you been a full time musician?
KP: 24 years. I started playing guitar in 10th grade or so and never was really in a band in high school but, when I got to the University of Maryland for studies in Special Education, I was always playing guitar with a friend. When we had about 50 songs that down pat, we went to a local pub in College Park and the guy booked us right away. We called ourselves Peace Frog. By the time I got to my last semester, I was doing well enough and having far too much fun not to pursue playing music full time.
RJ: I believe The Doors did a song called “Peace Frog.”
KP: That’s where the name came from. It’s on The Morrison Hotel album.
RJ: How did you make the transition from duo to solo act?
KP: I got a call from a venue and they needed someone to fill in for a cancelation they had. My partner was out of town so I did the gig by myself. I had a blast. I wanted to do more of that, so I needed to nail down the business side of it. I soon found out that I was considering myself a businessman first and a musician second. I tend to think that way to this day, actually.
RJ: So, straight from college to full time musician?
KP: I played Wash, DC, Baltimore, Gaithersburg and the like, right after college and then I realized that if you want to do this full time, you have to go where the venues are. So I headed here to the beach in 1992 and have been here ever since.
RJ: Any early childhood music education?
KP: Funny. I took 2 years of drums, 2 years of violin and 2 years of trumpet in elementary school and now I don’t play any one of them. I found that when you are passionate about something, no one has to push you to do it. I found my passion in guitar, harmonica and piano, and thus, taught myself.
RJ: Interesting, because I could see you getting into the drums somewhat.
KP: Yes and no. I have several drummers in the family and my father’s brother, Dick Poole, was the drummer in a jazz band in the ‘60s called The Good Times. I would go to see him at venues here in OC when I was 8 or 9 years old and that was just the greatest thing. He had a big influence on me. So the interest is there but, I never really picked it up.
RJ: With Kevin Poole, solo act, Kevin Poole and Joe Mama, duo, and Poole and the Gang, full band, you are certainly one of the busiest working musicians out there. Do you have a favorite act that you do and how many days a week do you perform?
KP: I’m fortunate to be in a situation where my schedule is 5 days a week, for the most part, and I try to steer away from doubles when I can. I love all of the acts that I do, but I only do Poole and the Gang 3 times a month or so because it really takes a toll on my voice singing over top of a full band. Every time I play, I try to give it all I’ve got, like it’s the last time I will ever sing and play. The audience always deserves our best as performers.
RJ: What’s the first song you ever learned?
KP: Since “A Horse With No Name” is only two chords, it made sense to go after that one. I was able to work through it and I felt such a level of success to be able to play one song all the way through.
RJ: The last time I caught your act, I took special notice of how many songs you do and how well you do each and every one of them. Do you tend to stick with classic rock?
KP: Oh goodness, no. I have over 1200 songs on my list and I cover almost every genre. I have lists made up based on my observation of the audience. If I look around and I see there is a predominate style and age group, etc., I’ll refer to that list of songs and play them. I use those lists just to jog my memory and play what feels right. In my entire life, I’ve never made a setlist. I can jump into four hours of Sinatra or Dean Martin or Motown, Big Band, Classic Rock, Singer Songwriter, you name it, instantly.
RJ: Most guitarists I know have several axes in their arsenal. How many are you wielding at the moment?
KP: I guess 11 or so. Until this year, I played exclusively Ovations and I have a couple of very rare, beautiful Ovations hanging on my wall. Currently I’m playing a burled walnut Luna that I really like.
RJ: Who would you say you looked to as your early influences?
KP: The Beatles would be number one, for sure, then James Taylor and Van Morrison.
RJ: How many Beatles songs do you play?
KP: Like 70. If I have a crowd that loves the Beatles, I’ll play a medley that goes through all the Beatles albums, and I’ll play for 15 minutes or up to 2 hours, nonstop. Last night I did an hour and half of the Beatles based on audience response.
RJ: Do you have any originals or CD’s, and how can the folks find you?
KP: Yes, my schedule and all 4 CD’s are available on my website which is www.kevinpoole.net. Currently, I’m working on a children’s CD that teaches kids about music. Both of my boys have been singing and playing harmonica on stage since they were 2. Also, I’d like to mention that my brother’s sons, the Poole Brothers, are out there playing all over. Check them out if you get the chance.
RJ: Come back next week as we discuss winters in Key West, gear, philosophies for success and life, other ventures and lots more.
RandyJamz is the frontman for The RandyJamz Allstar Band and is available for gigs of all types as a solo, duo or full band. If you would like to be interviewed for the next Meet The Band article, contact me at: [email protected].