DISCOGRAPHY
Kenny Rittenhouse Quintet
Anthem For The Elders
2026 • Kaela Records• 9 tracks
TRACK SAMPLES
PERSONNEL
Kenny Rittenhouse - trumpet, Tim Green - alto sax
Allyn Johnson - piano, Kris Funn - bass, Carroll "CV" Dashiell III - drums
ABOUT THE ALBUM
The band weaves stories of community, revolution, and remembrance, celebrating the vitality and spirit of the Black experience. The music pays tribute to the elders who paved the way and the traditions that shaped generations. It's a journey through heritage, hope, and transformation told through modern jazz.
PRESS REVIEW
Michael J. West - Washington City Paper (June 2026)
Kenny Rittenhouse Septet
New York Suite
2013 • Kaela Records• 9 tracks
TRACK SAMPLES
PERSONNEL
Kenny Rittenhouse - trumpet, Antonio Orta - alto sax, Lyle Link - tenor sax
Allyn Johnson - piano • Romeir Mendez - bass, JC Jefferson, Jr. - drums
CREDITS
Recorded Jan 12, 2013 by Jeff Gruber, www.BlueHouseProductions.com
CD Design by Todd Albertson www.toddalbertson.net
Photos by Steven Parke www.steveparke.com
@2013 KenHouse Music (ASCAP) www.kennyrittenhouse.com
PRESS REVIEW
CapitolBop - Luke Stewart (July 2013)
Kenny Rittenhouse Sextet
The Francis Suite
2006 • Kaela Records• 9 tracks
TRACK SAMPLES
PERSONNEL
Kenny Rittenhouse - trumpet, Antonio Parker - alto sax, Bill Holmes - trombone
Janelle Gill - piano • Michael Bowie - bass, JC Jefferson, Jr. - drums
CD NOTES
The Musicians that I worked with on this recording are some of the most swingin'"cats" in Washington.
Their interpretation of my original songs was powerful and moving; exactly what I wanted!
I've been working with J.C. Jefferson, Jr. now for about 14 years. His rhythmic concept really drives the
band and his solo work on Tiny's Crib shows him to be an extremely musical drummer!
When bassist Michael Bowie isn't here in Washington, you can find him in New York city playing with jazz vocalist Abbey Lincoln, of which he made several recordings with. Pay particular attention to his solo on Amazing Grace, it is absolutely beautiful. Rhonda Lynne is a feature for our pianist Janelle Gill. Her rhythmic and melodic approach helped to develop the ballad beyond what I ever imagined. It was a joy playing with her on the cd because she just plays all the right stuff!
The two horn players working with me on this project are originally from Philadelphia, which accounts for their hard bop approach to the music. Saxophonist Antonio Parker's presence on the recording is powerful. He plays with an unrelenting swing that propels the music forward. Listen to his solo on Tiny's Crib to hear how he devours the changes! I've been working with Bill Holmes for many years and have always been impressed with his concept of improvisation. Influenced by trombonist J.J. Johnson, Bill's solo lines are very melodic as well as funky. Check out Last Of The Soul Brothers for one of his finest solos.
PRESS REVIEWS
All About Jazz - John Barron (June 2007)
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-francis-suite-kenny-rittenhouse-self-produced-review-by-john-barron
JazzTimes - Forrest Dylan Bryant (September 2007)
https://www.jazztimes.com/archives/kenny-rittenhouse-the-francis-suite/?v=0b3b97fa6688
Click on album cover for more info
