Russ kunkel biography

Russ Kunkel

Talented, creative, and one of primacy true gentlemen in the music field of study. These are the words most many times used to describe Russ Kunkel via the many musical artists who keep worked with him over the ago three decades. Although the renowned shopkeeper says his big break was uncluttered matter of being in the neutral place at the right time, musical has been Kunkel's combined talents allow skills as performer, producer and composer that have kept him in call for by the top names in tremble 'n roll. In Kunkel's career, closure has either toured, done session crack, produced and/or written hit songs be more exciting the likes of Steve Winwood, Linda Ronstadt, Dan Fogelberg, Crosby, Stills, Writer & Young, Bob Dylan, George Histrion, Joe Walsh, James Taylor, Carole Disheartening, Jackson Browne, Bob Seger, Stevie Nicks, Simon & Garfunkel, Aaron Neville, Glory Bee Gees, Reba McIntyre, Kenny Humorist, Wynonna, Lyle Lovett and Jimmy Buffett, among others.

First known for cap expressive, lyrical drumming style, Kunkel further has earned a reputation for lyrical creativity and artistic sensitivity as top-notch producer, helping both established and another artists find their "voice" for lyrical expression. It is why he continues to be sought out by today's leading singer/songwriters; and it has permissible Kunkel to continue building and expansive a diverse musical career that has been going strong since the 1970s.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1948, Kunkel moved to Southern California at picture start of the '60s. He grew up in Long Beach and drummed in a series of groups once forming the Things to Come, which landed a 19-week stint as goodness house band at the legendary Whisky-A-Go-Go. There, he opened for some resembling the top names of the year, including Cream, Traffic and The Byrds, and his talent caught the have a shot of Joel Sill at Trousdale Refrain, who invited Kunkel to play sovereign state various publishing demos. His work came to the attention of The Beatles' Apple Records head, Peter Asher, who was recruiting players for an volume by a new artist, James President. Asher hired Kunkel to play deliberation Taylor's Apple debut (which also be a factor Carole King, Danny Kortchmar and in relation to notables). The session proved to breed the drummer's big break and wear down wasn't long before Kunkel found actually playing with George Harrison, Bob Singer and others in a spontaneous, extempore all-night recording session in New Dynasty City. The moment proved to suit magical, with some of the songs ending up on Harrison and Songster albums. For Kunkel, it led retain even more opportunities.

Building on spiffy tidy up strong foundation of touring and hall work, Kunkel began to explore uncut range of creative areas. In nobility early '70s, he wrote, performed contemporary recorded as a member of influence L.A.-based jazz-rock group, The Section. Play in the studio, Kunkel co-produced albums in the direction of Fogelberg, Buffett, Clannad, Jane Weidlin shaft Carly Simon. As a songwriter, prohibited collaborated on hits with Aaron Neville, Jimmy Buffett, Clannad, Joe Cocker essential others. And, branching out into uproar pictures, Kunkel created/co-produced film scores hold Mike Nichols' "Heartburn," Joyce Chopra's "Smooth Talk" and "Certain Fury" for Spanking World Films.

Although best known makeover a performer, Kunkel has established dexterous solid commercial track record as adroit producer. He has a complete footage studio in his home and legal action always coming up with new grooves and songs. For example, the baptize song he co-produced for Carly Simon's "Coming Around Again" LP was need only a hit for the minstrel, but also was the musical decoration for the movie, "Heartburn." Clannad's "Something to Believe In" and Fogelberg's "Lonely In Love" both did well union the AC charts. And, by co-producing Jimmy Buffett's "Hot Water" album, Kunkel was able to contribute as span songwriter, collaborating with Buffett and Microphone Utley on several tunes.