| Flute Alto / Tenor / Bari Saxes Percussion SFO Co-Musical Director |
| Kyle, A.K.A. soul brutha #1 ... first learned to play the alto saxophone in grade school in Indianapolis, Indiana where he grew up. He says he chose the sax because it "looked kind of complicated." As with many classically trained 'reading' musicians, He played in school bands throughout middle school, high school and into college. |
| He took private lessons for six years from Fred Niehmeier, a top local reedman & instructor, who focused heavily on technical playing skills. Early in his training, Kyle developed an interest in swing music and has played in a number of stage and dance bands over the years. However, what he really listened to most was an eclectic mix of blues, rock and jazz groups, including Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago, Chase, John Mayall and Tower Of Power. When pressed for a role model, Kyle says that saxophonists Johnny Almond, Grover Washington, Jr. and Gato Barbieri all made strong impressions. Although he continues to play concert music, Kyle says being in a band like Sonic Funk is something he has always wanted to do and is what he thoroughly enjoys. Outside of Sonic Funk, Kyle works for a local Market research firm. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in math & psychology as well as a Masters in Business administration. As for his gear ... Kyle uses Selmer Mark VI Alto & Tenor saxes & a Yamaha Bari. |
| Kyle Bowman |