Ken Koontz – bass
A sixth generation Marylander, Ken began playing string bass at the age of 10. Growing up outside of Westminster, Ken’s musical talent was nurtured by his maternal grandmother (who played organ for her church for over 30 years), his paternal grandfather (who played banjo and harmonica), his father (who sang tenor in the Carroll County Community Chorus and Old Line Statesmen Barbershop Chorus), his mother (who always had the radio on), and his brother (who introduced Ken to the music of the Beatles, the Who, Yes, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jimmy Hendrix, and many others).
When he was 13, his father bought Ken his first electric bass and amplifier. THIS CHANGED EVERYTHING! Soon, Ken was playing bass in Westminster West Middle School’s concert and jazz bands, in All County Band, with his music teacher’s jazz band (the Claire Christie Quartet), as well as various rock and roll bands with friends around Westminster. In high school, Ken played bass in the Westminster High School Jazz Band, with the Westminster High School Chorus and Carroll County Community Chorus, in local productions of Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as a number of rock, country, jazz, and pop bands in the local area. Musical influences from that time included the bass playing of Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, John Entwistle, John Paul Jones, Geezer Butler, and Paul McCartney.
After graduating from the University of Maryland with his bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Ken began working for JHU/APL. Between a new career, attending graduate school, finding and marrying his significant other, and starting a family, Ken put music aside for 15 years. In 2003, Ken began to play bass again, reuniting with old friends from college to play rock and roll covers. His interest in playing jazz led him to cross paths with Adam Cushman at APL, and the rest (as they say) is history.
Ken has filled the bass position in Close Enough For Jazz since 2011. As his interest in jazz repertoire and music theory increased, Ken became involved in the jazz education activities offered by internationally respected jazz composer, saxophonist, and educator Jeff Antoniuk. In addition to studying with Jeff, Ken has also studied jazz and bass technique with DC-area bassists Amy Shook and Leonardo Lucini. Ken also plays bass with the Chalice Messengers (the UUCC Jazz Ensemble), and is the chairperson for the APL Musical Arts Committee.