Kenneth P. Garnier
Kenneth Paul Garnier (born October 31, 1960) is an American bassist, composer, producer and musical/visual artist. He is the creator of the science fiction character, Churchman, a title originally and affectionately conferred on him by children in a neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he served as the principal pulpitarian of a church for twenty-four years. As a musical artist, he goes by the moniker Akouo, which means, “I hear”[1] and expresses himself through a collage of genres including jazz, R&B, funk, gospel, country western and rock.
Intentional about aligning himself with other artists who write, arrange, record and/or perform with him, Kenneth’s primary emphasis is on musical conceptualizations[2] through which he reveals unique introspections about life, nature, relationships and Spirit. To date, he has released four studio albums: Help Is On The Way (2002), Signz ‘N’ Timez (2010), Grace Journey (2013) and Churchman (2019). Also, a visual artist, he has authored the children’s book, Churchman Children’s Art & Amusement Book (2021), with author/illustrator, Chris Fulton. In addition, he is the writer and illustrator of the monthly comic strip, Churchman & Kape-able Kidz (2022-present). As founder and president of Pineal Records, Books & Films, Garnier releases his own, co-owned, and others' works and merchandise.
Contents
Early Life
Born in Los Angeles, California, to parents Winslow J. Garnier, Sr. and Gloria L. Johnson, Kenneth discovered his gift of music[3] at the early age of four when he began creating songs while going around an avocado tree in the backyard of his house. From Beethoven to bebop and from R&B to rock, Garnier grew up listening to multiple styles of music. Eventually, he got involved in local talent shows and community events, which allowed him to sing, play instruments, dance, and act.[4]
His first professional assignment came at age ten, when he joined Bill Bryant’s Willie Watts & Friends, a unique clown ensemble that staged in major parades throughout southern California.[5] Studying music was a discipline of the household. So, like his siblings (Winslow, Jr., Cheryl, Donna, Kevin and Julie), Garnier began taking piano lessons at the age of eight. Years later, his oldest brother, Winslow, who played trumpet, formed a band. Fascinated by the band's drummer, Kenneth studied drums under him. At fourteen he learned to play electric guitar from his twin brother, Kevin. Because he is left-handed and Kevin is right-handed, allowance to play was on the condition that he would do so without altering the guitar. Although initially reluctant, Kenneth complied, and has had a right-handed playing approach ever since.
Youth & Adult Life
Nearing the mid-1970's, Garnier switched from guitar to bass. He was a member of various Los Angeles bands until early 1978, when he considered quitting altogether in pursuit of a spiritual journey.[6] That pilgrimage, which had its formation in 1977, resulted in him becoming an ordained gospel minister and serving churches in California, Texas and Minnesota. Alongside writing sermons, he was composing songs. In 1993, at an age and stage in his life when his personal and musical identity began to take on real purpose and meaning, Kenneth fully returned to the bass, which also marked the commencement of a gradual transition away from church leadership.
He retired from formal ministry in 2007 but continues to be in demand for preaching, teaching and counseling opportunities. Garnier holds degrees in Religious Education (A.A.) from Southwestern Christian College (Terrell, Texas), Psychology (B.S.) from North Central University (Minneapolis, Minnesota), and Leadership and Management (M.A.) from Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota), and is the recipient of multiple community service and music awards.
Music Life
Garnier received formal training from Eubanks Conservatory of Music and Arts of Los Angeles, California; McNally Smith College of Music (previously, Music Tech) of St. Paul, Minnesota; MacPhail Center for Music of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and private instructor, David Mendenhall of Lakeville, Minnesota. His musical inheritance descends from his grandfather, D'Jalma Thomas Garnier (also spelled, Ganier), a legendary, early jazz player in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. D’Jalma played trumpet, piano and violin; was among those who instructed an adolescent Louis Armstrong at the New Orleans Boys Home for Colored Waifs;[7] was the bandleader of the Camelia Brass Band in New Orleans;[8] and whose musical legacy continues to live, generationally.
From his youth, Kenneth has been fond of a cappella music, including Gregorian chants and doo-wop. He plays multiple instruments including piano, drums, guitar, vibraphone, glockenspiel and trumpet. However, with electric bass being his primary instrument, he customarily utilizes Pedulla basses and Eden amplifiers/speakers for studio recordings and live performances. As part of his distinctive sound, he incorporates the use of multiple effects pedals such as an envelope filter, wah, rust driver, analogue delay, octaver and flanger. To him, musical expression is about malleability; therefore, he does not limit sound experimentation to his bass. Whether writing, recording or performing, the use of multiple, mechanical and non-mechanical elements, is a natural response to what he feels.[9] As Akouo, he and his group routinely perform live in a variety of numerical configurations.[10] Garnier himself, writes, records and plays bass for other artists/bands as well.
Family Life
Garnier has four biological children: Kenneth W., Joseph D., Elizabeth M., and Alannah G., from his former marriage to Olivia D. King of Los Angeles, California. He is currently married to Tracy A. Turner of Sherman, Texas, with whom he has four sociological children: Kenneth D., Kartez D., Lacressia D., and LaMaria C. Also, he has a growing number of grandchildren. He and his wife, Tracy, who is an educator, author and singer, live in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area.
Voice Narrations
The African American Experience: A History – Computerized Educational Resources/Globe Publishing (1992). Later narrated by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Soundtrack Contributions
Help Is On The Way (2002), Pretty Lady (IMDb), 828 Entertainment (2003)
Musical Augmentations
Writer/Bassist – JE’MM (1975-1978)
Writer/Vocalist – Gospelights (1986-1990)
Writer – Shalonda Productions/Johnnie Wilder, Jr. (1991-1994)
Bassist – Healing Waters, Alisa Ross (2016)
Bassist – When A Wish Becomes A Prayer, Giorge Pettus (2017)
Studio Singles, EPs & Albums
Help Is On The Way (2002)
Signz ‘N’ Timez (2010)
Grace Journey (2013)
Churchman (2019)
Bands
JE’MM (1975-1978)
Akouo (1993-present)
Books
Churchman Children’s Art & Amusement Book (2021), with Chris Fulton
Comic Strips
Churchman & Kape-able Kidz (2022-present)
References
- ↑ Davies, W. V. (1987). Reading the Past Egyptian Hieroglyphs (p. 44). Berkeley: University of California Press.
- ↑ Nattiez, J. J. (1990). Music and Discourse: Towards a Semiology of Music. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
- ↑ Coles, Robert (1990). The Spiritual Life of Children. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
- ↑ CanvasRebel Magazine (November 3, 2022). Los Angeles. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ↑ Voyage Minnesota Magazine (April 14, 2022). Los Angeles. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ↑ Ephirim-Donkor, Anthony (1997). African Spirituality: On Becoming Ancestors (pp. 107-116). Asmara: Africa World Press, Inc.
- ↑ Buckingham, William D. (2011). Tulane University/New Orleans. Hogan Jazz Archive/The Jazz Archivist: Louis Armstrong and the Waifs’ Home (Volume 24, p. 7). Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ↑ Knowles, Richard H. (1996). Fallen Heroes: A History of New Orleans Brass Bands (p. 120). New Orleans: Jazzology Press.
- ↑ Focal Point (September 2018). Australia/New Zealand. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
- ↑ Marquix Global Network (August 2016). Los Angeles. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
