I had a really nice surprise recently when catching a performance of Sandbloom at the Robert Frazier Gallery of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri. I had heard about Kevin Sandbloom from a number of people whom had caught a performance of his at the Dream Studio, also in Kansas City, a short time before. They were quite hyped, but you know how it is, sometimes what turns others on may leave you scratching your head as though you don’t get it.

Well, I get it! Big time! I experienced Sandbloom for myself and so now I need to tell you about him so that perhaps you can do the same.

What I like about Kevin is that he is the entire package; at least he was in this performance. He was his own rhythm section, back up vocals, lead singer, and … crew. Before the performance started I watched him as he prepared to entertain and that was the beginning of the good vibes and the good experience. There was easiness there, a sense of being and purpose, and an unspoken promise that you would be getting your money’s worth.

Sandbloom sang a number of original tunes, and a few covers, and one tune he covered in particular left us all speechless. It was Sade’s tune “Is It A Crime.” He came “this close” to outshining Sade - “this close” and, I imagine you’re saying, but isn’t he a man … YES, he is a man, and he made that song a man’s song and it rocked!

That brings up the subject of his voice. Intriguing, soulful, dynamic voice with acres of range and a whole lot of similarities to a number of great artists. There is a fraction of Marvin Gaye, a dash of Michael Bolton, a smidgen of Al Green, and a whole lot of Kevin Sandbloom - a Sandbloom that holds his own with any of those mentioned before. That he looks like an Irish folk singer just adds spice to his presentation!

Now, what I would really like is to hear a few Sandbloom tunes in the background of some of my favorite television shows. That’s what I was thinking while I was listening, and, as if he read my mind he mentioned that one of his tunes was recently the background tune in an episode of “Lincoln Heights.” I really hope there will be more of that in the near future.

Sandbloom has an active touring schedule and it includes a really good mix of venues. He could very possibly be coming to a town near you soon. He also has a number of available CDs you might want to pick up. You can find those on his Red Llama Music Label at www.kevinsandbloom.com.