Kahlil Bell & Friends

"If an audience came to see me, they'd experience an immersive journey through jazz that honors its roots while pushing boundaries. They’d see an electrifying mix of improvisation, emotion, and storytelling, all delivered with passion and authenticity. Each performance is unique—full of spontaneous interactions with the band and the audience, making them part of the music. Whether it’s a soulful ballad, a hard-swinging groove, or a modern fusion piece, they’ll leave feeling inspired and connected."

Kahlil Kwame Bell, a remarkable percussionist, composer, arranger, and producer, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His musical output varies from jazz to rock to hip hop; from European classical to world music; from spirituals to spoken word accompaniments. His layering of sounds and instruments, blended with unique rhythms, reflects his view of the unity of cultures through music. His work for other musicians, as well as his own compositions, can be heard almost daily on jazz and world music radio programs worldwide.

His extensive career spans with collaborations with Abbey Lincoln, Roberta Flack, Erykah Badu, The Artist formerly known as Prince, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson, James Ingram, Ashford and Simpson, Twinkie Clark of the Clark Sisters, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, Tess Marsalis, James Carter, Bradford Hayes, Don Braden and Stefon Harris. He has also worked with Rick Ross, Igmar Thomas' Revive Big Band, Rakim, Common, Bilal, Abiodun Oyewole (The Last Poets) Norah Jones, Roy Hargrove, Baba Olatunji, Eric Reed, TC Carson, and Patrice Rushen.

To date, Kahlil has traveled the world extensively doing what he loves and does best. He is recorded on over 150 CD’s released from (phone number hidden)4; eight of which he released under his own label and is credited for composing all of the music for them including Gift of Forgiveness, which was released in February, 2001 and Homeland, September 2018. He is featured on Jazzmeia Horn’s 2022 Grammy Award nominated CD, Dear Love, and Don Braden’s Grammy Award nominated Earth, Wind and Wonder , and Earth, Wind and Wonder Volume 2, 2023.

n/a