Ken Lovern is the hammond organist and composer that drives the bus that is OJT. Ken was born in the Kansas City area on November 20, 1965, and he has been a professional musician most of his adult life. Even before graduating from the Conservatory of Music of the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1989, Ken went to work with Kansas City vocalist, Ida McBeth. Ken currently plays at the Green Lady Lounge several nights a week. OJT plays there every Wednesday and Saturday night. Ken also plays with Kansas City area bands Maria the Mexican and 3 Trails West. Ken Lovern was the Keyboard Magazine "Unsigned Artist of the Month" for May 2006 You can read the review in the "press" section of this website and follow the link to the online version of Keyboard Mag. |
Kevin Frazee is the ideal drummer for the versatile organ jazz group because he possesses the power and drive of a big band drummer, but combines it with the listening and groove-oriented approach of combo drummer. Kevin began playing music professionally at the age of 18 with Kansas City organist Everette DeVan. After a few years performing in the Kansas City scene, Kevin moved to Portland, Oregon in 1997 where he performed with artists such as guitarist Dan Faehnle and Blue Note recording artist Javon Jackson. From 1999 through 2001 Kevin sailed into the Hawaii cruise ship scene aboard the SS Independence where he performed with groups such as The Platters and The Ink Spots. After returning to Kansas City, Kevin performed at night clubs and festivals with visiting artists such as fusion flautist Herbie Mann and tenor sax legend Houston Person. Kevin has studied with Todd Strait and Mel Brown, and in 2004, Kevin spent a week in Florida studying with his favorite drummer and multi-instrumentalist Duffy Jackson. Kevin has also studied jazz theory and keyboard with both Everette DeVan and Ken Lovern. Kevin has been with OJT since its inception. |
Brian Baggett is fast becoming one of the top jazz guitar players in the area. Brian studied with trumpeter Chuck Tumlinson at Washburn University and privately with Rod Fleeman and Danny Embrey. A guitar teacher for 10 years, Brian has been teaching some of the areas most promising jazz guitar players. He is in high demand as both a jazz guitarist and educator. He has been a guest artist/clinician at both Washburn University and Truman State University. This past summer, Brian gave two jazz improvisation workshops at the Americana Music Academy. In addition to playing jazz guitar, Brian led the fusion/rock band Einstein Electric. This critically acclaimed group played major music festivals throughout the Midwest. Einstein Electric also shared the bill with major acts like The Jerry Garcia Band and Galactic. Brian has played in a number of other fusion/funk groups including Pocket Space and The Yards. Just last year, Brian released his first solo album The Web, a rock opera that he composed, performed and produced. As well as working as a side man in several groups Brian is currently playing solo 7 string guitar, performing in OJT and leading his own fusion trio DŌJŌ. |