Episode 16 – Kenny Vaughan

Long one of Nashville’s secret weapons and top session musicians, guitarist Kenny Vaughan blends country, classic pop, jazz, hard bop, and more into a distinctive and stinging style that brightens and deepens seemingly any track he plays on. Vaughan grew up in Colorado, where he fell early under the spell and tutelage of another eclectic Colorado guitar player, Bill Frisell, and soon found himself playing with a progressive jazz group, which expanded his tone and sound. But Vaughan had a restless spirit as a guitarist, and he eagerly took on any style, from punk, surf, and rock to pure country and bluegrass, and made it his own, playing seven nights a week in country dives and honky tonks before relocating to Nashville in the ’80s. Once in Music City, he quickly became an in-demand player, working with dozens of top artists, including Lucinda Williams, Tim O’Brien, Rodney Crowell, and Kim Richey, along with a regular gig as a member of Marty Stuart’s band.

Still interested? Visit the artist’s Facebook page to learn more about this episode’s guest.